Revolving doors

This year is no different, and along with the iPhone 6S, the revolving doors of traineeship have once again swung into action.

In their freshly pressed, monochrome suits, polished shoes, and eagerness to learn, a new intake of wannabe solicitors is a timely blessing for the more jaded among us. They provide a glimmer of recognition of how we once were: ready to change the world by overturning one bad decision at a time: talking our clients (and judges) out of trouble; relishing the opportunity to assist; and doggedly pursuing justice in the minutiae of disclosure bundles. Oh, how times change.

Rather than being envious of their youthful enthusiasm (or inwardly mocking their naivety), it is our responsibility to shape them into the best lawyers they can be. Yes, there will be a steep learning curve for some, and patience will be important, but taking time to teach and - on occasion - to listen will reap rewards in the future.

Those starting their training contracts will come with a range of experience already. Graduate recruitment now tends not to favour recent graduates. Many of those commencing their training will have previous legal experience, usually from medium to long-term paralegal roles.

As a result, there is a risk that those with experience will be favoured over others. Time remains a precious and valuable commodity for lawyers and fast action can all too readily be favoured over teaching and learning.

In a contracting profession, where lawyers are moving in-house to support companies and charities or to seek their fortunes independently, there is a reducing number of roles supported by the 'traditional' profession.

Though Magic Circle firms will nearly always buck the trend, the impact of diminishing status, lack of potential for progression, and, yes, the demise of legal aid has affected the aspirations of junior lawyers.

According to a new survey, over half of solicitors are reportedly disenchanted by the prospect of partnership (see page 8). Ambition may no longer revolve around financial wealth, but a desire for a satisfying, socially rewarding, and fulfilling life is resulting in a diversification of roles, firms, and portfolio careers, most of which avoid the need to work for 'the man'.

A new breed of entrepreneurial lawyers is emerging and it is this movement which may prove to destabilise the profession as we know it, while at the same time doing more to promote the rule of law, secure access to justice, and open up fairer competition than the Legal Services Act may ever achieve.

So, be kind to the new trainees on the way up; you might be looking to them for support in years to come.

Kevin Poulter, editor at large

@SJ_Weekly | editorial@solicitorsjournal.co.uk