What It Takes to Make a Great Legal Candidate

The legal market is ever changing and with that, so are the requirements of legal support staff.

Gone are the days where churning legal documents and typing at 80 WPM are a necessity. Nowadays, law firms are putting a strong focus on soft skills to align with the particular firm’s culture and values.

So what are soft skills?

A soft skill is a personal characteristic that encourages effective and harmonious work with other people. The key soft skills that law firms are looking for in their support staff are:

  • Adaptability/Flexibility – starting a new role and learning the firm’s processes and systems can be daunting. It is important to demonstrate your interest in learning new things and leave your old habits behind. Working on temp assignments is one way we have seen job seekers expose their skills to new systems and processes, as well as building on skills they haven’t already developed. If you are immediately available, temping is highly recommended.
  • Problem Solving Skills – when talking to law firms, the most memorable legal secretaries are those who look outside the box and implement more efficient ways of working.
  • Strong Work Ethic – a strong work ethic doesn’t always mean working 12 hour days. A strong work ethic can include little things such as helping a fellow legal secretary with EOM billing or assisting with tasks that may not fall into your job description. A progressive law firm will always encourage career development so you shouldn’t shy away from asking to pick up more tasks!
  • Calm Demeanour – law firms can be hectic at the best of times and lawyers are constantly working to strict and tight deadlines. Having a calm attitude can really put the rest of the team at ease during these stressful moments.

The list is endless, however, it is important to be able to identify and highlight your soft skills and this will put you ahead of your competition in a very tight legal market.

For more information or assistance in identifying your soft skills, please call me: 03 9098 7427.

Share this article

Useful links

Get in touch

Find out more by contacting one of our specialisat recruitment consultants across Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

Contact us
Mary Savova • January 6, 2019

Recent insights

Adaptable Work Arrangements: Catering to the Modern Workforce's Needs

By Rachel Adams • May 19, 2024
In today's dynamic work environment, flexibility is paramount. As the needs and expectations of the modern workforce continue to evolve, employers are increasingly adopting adaptable work arrangements to meet diverse needs and enhance productivity. In this blog post, we'll explore the significance of adaptable work arrangements and how they address the evolving demands of today's workforce while optimizing for search engine visibility.

Remote Recruitment Strategies: How Companies Are Adapting to Virtual Hiring Processes

By Hamish Lamberton • May 12, 2024
In recent years, the rise of remote work has revolutionized the way companies approach recruitment. With advancements in technology and a growing acceptance of virtual communication tools, many organizations are now embracing remote recruitment strategies to attract and hire top talent. In this blog post, we'll explore how companies are adapting to virtual hiring processes and the strategies they're employing to succeed in this new era of recruitment.

Navigating the Future: Opportunities and Challenges of Automation on Employment

By Esha Nischol • May 8, 2024
In today's rapidly evolving landscape, automation is reshaping industries and transforming the way we work. While automation offers numerous benefits, including increased efficiency and productivity, it also presents challenges and uncertainties for the workforce. Understanding the opportunities and challenges of automation on employment is crucial for individuals and organizations alike as we navigate the future of work.

UK's 2024 Employment and Salary Trends Report

Salary trends, talent attraction and retention strategies

Have your say in the future of work
Share by: