Inexperience provides opportunity for flexibility
Lawyers who are new to the industry may sometimes be daunted by their lack of experience and specialisation, but it actually trains them to be agile and adaptable.
Russell McVeagh senior solicitor Fayez Shahbaz encourages new lawyers to be open to working in different areas of the law and not rush into discovering their area of specialisation.
“While it is daunting to constantly pivot to different areas, these challenges help us grow and develop as fully rounded lawyers,” he explained to NZ Lawyer. “Agility in navigating different areas of law and industries will serve you well in the long term and is worth the short-term challenge.”
Agility and adaptability have been major factors in keeping the profession going during the pandemic, and for former Dentons Kensington Swan solicitor Amelia Retter, they will be qualities required of all lawyers – senior or junior.
“Being agile and adaptable gives you the best chance of navigating the challenges presented by new situations because you can better respond to and learn from the experience – you’re not afraid to try an approach and if it doesn’t work, switch to a different one,” she said.
“Being a new lawyer means you’re not always going to know what to do but I’ve found that that doesn’t necessarily matter as much as being able to switch course and adapt as necessary.”
With law firms and organisations everywhere going increasingly digital, Retter believed that being able to adjust to novel working practices is crucial.
“Getting used to responding quickly and being comfortable with change is going to be necessary to navigate (and make the most of) the many changes that will no doubt impact the legal profession in the new future,” she said.
