Which skills are law firms hiring for in 2022 and beyond?
Written by Lauren Irvine
Top 3 skills to add to your CV if you want to be hired by leading law firms.
Traditionally law firms have focused on the same set of skills when recruiting lawyers such as relationship building, transaction experience, and project management. But, with the ever-changing landscape of the legal sector, which skills are law firms hiring for in 2022 and beyond?
Soft skills
Alongside legal knowledge, It might be time to call out your soft skills on your CV. The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) lists a number of standards for successful lawyers. Examples include supporting and engaging with colleagues, managing personal workload, and being professional at all times. Whilst these are certainly still relevant, working from home has undoubtedly changed which attributes are most hirable.
Qualities such as flexibility and adaptability have become more attractive when hiring and there is a much heavier focus on soft skills such as empathy, compassion, and authenticity. The way we communicate with clients and colleagues has changed with the rise of hybrid and remote roles meaning refining social skills and adapting well to the new model of communication is key.
Legal knowledge & client research
Fierce competition for talent in the industry means that legal knowledge must be sharpened. Rigorous knowledge and a solid understanding of the law has always been crucial to any aspiring lawyer’s CV. However, research conducted by Reuters shows that key service attributes have grown in importance over the past year to emphasise specialist knowledge and a wide breadth of service, over more traditional attributes like relationship building.
As well as this, taking time out to research and really get to know your clients is invaluable. Data from Reuters found in a survey of clients that belonged to law firms in the UK, 28% of 79 respondents said that a deeper understanding of clients’ businesses was the most desirable quality for lawyers to have. As well as having strong legal knowledge, understanding your client’s industry is a top priority for law firms when they are looking for talent.
Digital skills
Second to a strong understanding of their client’s business, digital skills are high on the list of desirable qualities.
With technology becoming a growing presence in the legal industry, it is important for lawyers to be tech savvy to a degree. Training is usually provided to get new employees up to speed on digital platforms, but it is important that lawyers are able to pick the essentials up quickly.
The legal sector is adopting cloud technology and the digital automation of processes and the rise of legal tech is shaping the industry. In order to attract and retain talent, law firms are investing in technology which means that ultimately they will be looking for individuals who can help them manage their new tech processes.
As well as digital skills, the importance of leveraging social media and online platforms for personal branding has become increasingly prevalent. LinkedIn is exceptionally useful for building your client base and advancing your career. Being able to use this to your advantage will help you to stand out to law firms and secure your next role.
Lauren Irvine is a talented Recruitment Consultant for the Northwest, predominantly recruiting for the Liverpool area. She covers a broad range of legal disciplines, including Litigation, Family, Private Client, Residential and Commercial Property, Employment, and Commercial Law.
lauren.irvine@williamjamesrecruitment.com
0161 826 3140 | 07939986652
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