Skills for lawyers of the future

With Pinsent Masons in Leeds

Apply to attend
Hosted by Pinsent Masons
Reference AW-196
Date Wed 23 Oct 2019
Time 5:30pm to 8:30pm
In partnership with Legal Cheek
Location Pinsent Masons, Leeds
Theme Careers, Commercial Awareness
Level Students, Graduates

In a world awash with unprecedented levels of uncertainty, and opportunity, leading organisations are having to re-appraise the skills they value in their workforce.

The legal profession is no exception, as law firms and their clients find themselves, on one hand, buffeted by the geopolitical forces of US-China trade wars and Brexit while, on the other hand, being rocked by the unceasing technological revolution.

Arguably, the most important quality lawyers of the future need, to navigate this environment, is adaptability. In the short term that means being open-minded about which seats you undertake during your training contract and which practice areas to qualify into, as the turning economic cycle hints that countercyclical departments like litigation and restructuring could soon find their way back to prominence.

Over a longer period, having the adaptability, agility and enthusiasm to seize opportunities as they arise will surely become a major differentiator. Driven by many factors, including advancements in legal tech, the form in which those opportunities present themselves will change.

That means an entrepreneurial mindset, and an eye for areas of growth, will be critical. A relative ease with legal tech and handling data, as well as proficiency in the more traditional skills of analysis, communication and commercial awareness, could become essential.

Law has always been a stressful job, but to manage the considerable associated pressures of operating in a world that no longer follows the old rules, it may have to get even tougher. Resilience will be more important than ever, as will flexibility and the ability to think creatively.

On the evening of Wednesday 23 October a panel of associates and partners from different practice areas within Pinsent Masons will gather at the firm’s Leeds office to share their views on the skills required by lawyers of the future for Legal Cheek's latest student event.

The speakers will also talk about their own career journeys, reflecting on their routes into law, while advising the next generation how they can follow in their footsteps. After the panel session there will be drinks and networking.
 
Apply to attend below. You’ll be asked to submit a CV and two questions for the panel. Please note that the details of those offered places will, subject to consent, be shared with Pinsent Masons’ graduate recruitment team.