Communication for Trainee Lawyers

‘Good communication skills’ are a prerequisite on virtually every job description from office junior to managing director. But, this type of skill is particularly relevant for anyone considering a role within the legal sector.

If you have already begun your legal training you should by now have grasped the importance of good communication for lawyers. All law firms require you to be competent and confident when drafting documents, offering written and verbal advice to clients, negotiating deals, and presenting a clear, structured argument.

Your ability to communicate will be tested on a daily basis, starting with your trainee assessment days and interviews.

However, there are a few particular scenarios, or certain types of communication, which should be mastered by trainees:

1. Expressing Enthusiasm

While enthusiasm may not seem like a form of communication, it must be communicated effectively for people to understand it.

Expressing your enthusiasm for another’s work, job, or area of law, will show your appreciation and understanding. For instance, if you have genuinely enjoyed working with someone, or enjoyed a specific task, you should take the time to express why you enjoyed it, what you found interesting, or even, to ask for more information. Showing enthusiasm in this way, without appearing over-the-top or insincere, can be tricky. Try to practise it with friends and family if you’re unsure how you come across.

Another way to show enthusiasm is through expressing a particular interest in one person or field. For example, if you haven’t already secured a trainee position in a firm, you could try approaching one or two of the partners about their area of expertise and expressing your interest in learning more. Often partners will take the time to email you back, take you for coffee, or invite you to join them in meetings. In this way you can watch and learn, while also appearing to the partners as real person not just a name on an application form.

2. Confident Communication

One of the benefits of being a trainee is that you can change position every six months so you don’t have to put up with anything for too long. If you are stuck with a particularly difficult person, or a colleague who is unhelpful or bullying, you will soon find yourself moving onto new pastures.

However, there are times when you should not just wait quietly for the move to happen so you can escape any difficulties, but instead should confidently communicate your views. For example, if you have been given feedback that you feel is unfair or biased, it is vital you express clearly and concisely to your supervisor what you feel is unfair and why. Do this without sounding like you are just complaining or moaning, and ask them to help you improve by suggesting ways to progress next time.

If you feel that there have been specific incidents of bullying or harassment, you should find someone within the firm that you can talk to in confidence, and ask for their advice.

Remember, your ability to communicate confidently will improve your chances of success and allow others to understand your perspective more easily.

3. Convivial Communication

When you are the newbie in a firm things can seem daunting and slightly overwhelming. However, more often than not you won’t be the only trainee in the firm, and you are highly unlikely to be the first. So, talk to other newly qualified lawyers in the firm that have experienced what you are going through; ask their advice, get tips on how to handle situations or certain people, and reassure yourself that you aren’t the only one who has ever felt this way!

Of course, once you’ve completed your training it is vital you share your experience with the trainees who are likely to follow in your footsteps.

Remember how you felt, how you dealt with issues, and how much you appreciated someone to talk to and confide in.

Communicating openly, honestly and with integrity is a great skill for any lawyer to have, and should be developed throughout your career.