Legal vets from all over the country converge to share insights on the challenges young lawyers face
In building the next generation of legal experts, law firms need to provide their juniors with crucial resources to guide their development and advancement. However, with the legal industry still reeling from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the process of mentoring young lawyers has become more complicated.
The Young Lawyers Summit NZ 2020, set to take place on 2 December, brings together veterans of the legal profession from all over the country to offer insights into the common challenges experienced by young lawyers. Over the course of the event, young lawyers will be able to take in valuable tips on boosting their profiles as thought leaders and managing their workday in a distracting environment, among others, and apply these to their development and advancement within their respective firms.
Three panellists told NZ Lawyer why their discussions are so important for young lawyers.
Panel: Pragmatic steps for young lawyers and practices to better balance personal and family needs with a growing practice
Speaker: Stephanie Grieve, barrister
NZ Lawyer: What are the common challenges young lawyers face when it comes to work/life balance, particularly in a growing practice?
Stephanie Grieve: The perpetual challenge is time management and how to juggle the various aspects of legal practice – client needs and relationships, practice building, continuing legal education and collegiality with teammates and the profession, pro bono work/roles, etc. – plus having to fit in a life around that. Also, I think there is still the perception within the law firm structure that unless you are in the office, you are not working or engaged.
NZ Lawyer: Why is it important for young lawyers to tune in to this session?
Stephanie Grieve: It provides them with an opportunity to share and hear insights from others as to how they are managing the various challenges.
Panel: Strategies for young lawyers to manage and take charge of challenging workplace relationships
Speaker: Dan Williams, partner at Anderson Lloyd
NZ Lawyer: What are the common challenges young lawyers face when it comes to managing workplace relationships?
Dan Williams: Starting work in a law firm is, for most young lawyers, a daunting experience (it definitely was for me!), as it can be quite difficult to know how to navigate the complex web of hierarchy and personal relationships, no matter what size the firm. There are often a lot of “Type-A” personalities in a law firm as well, who can be tricky to deal with. As such, a lot of young lawyers end up just keeping their heads down, trying not to make waves or get offside with the wrong people.
NZ Lawyer: Why is it important for young lawyers to tune in to this session?
Dan Williams: Having good workplace relationships is incredibly important to your own well-being as the job is hard enough without having to deal with constant personal conflicts or drama. Hopefully we can provide some hints and tips for dealing with these sorts of issues.
Panel: Practical advice for assessing and mapping your options as you advance in your practice
Speaker: Nick Kovacevich, partner at Couch Harlowe Kovacevich
NZ Lawyer: What should a young lawyer do if the path they have chosen is not the right one?
Nick Kovacevich: Think about why it is not right for you, and what it is that you actually want out of your legal career. Then, determine an action plan to achieve what you actually want.
NZ Lawyer: Why is it important for young lawyers to tune in to this session?
Nick Kovacevich: It is important because your practice is your business, and how you grow and advance that business is mission critical and not something that you learn at law school.
The Young Lawyers Summit NZ 2020 will be held at the Hilton Auckland. The first panel of the full-day event starts at 9 a.m. under the moderation of Gravity Lawyers’ Dr Maria Pozza.
Visit the official website for the full roster of speakers, and to register. The Super Saver rate offer ends Friday – by booking team passes for a three-person team, registrants can save a total of $400, while those who book individual passes save $200.
