Why is teamwork important as a trainee solicitor?

Nov 12, 2022

Written By Yi Kang Choo

As a trainee solicitor, or even before being recruited as one, it is commonly emphasised by law firms that they highly value individuals with strong teamwork skills.This article will explore the reasons why teamwork is so important.

The Nature of Work – Not Designed to be Completed Alone

Considering the scale of work solicitors usually work on, and the type of work they are being assigned to, no work can actually be completed without the help of an efficient team. For example, just from the very start, most law firms will take in work/clients from various areas, such as litigation, dispute resolution or Mergers and Acquisitions. Naturally they will have individual teams/departments that handle issues relating to their expertise specifically.

This is why most trainee solicitors, during their training programmes, will be assigned to various ‘seats’ – and most will find themselves working with a team of trainees, associates and partners. This is where one’s teamwork skills will be put to the test. You will not only need to be able to work efficiently with your peers and direct supervisors, but you will also contribute your ideas effectively within the group.

Just as how most offices thrive in a collaborative and friendly environment, as a trainee solicitor, you will also need to learn to manage relationships tactfully, ensuring you are blending well with your colleagues in the team.

Large Scale of Work alongside Tight Deadlines

Most projects or deals in a law firm may consist of a significant amount of work, and this can only be completed on time with the help of a highly functional and effective team.

Speaking of being efficient, most commercial projects/deals are highly time-sensitive, where tight deadlines might be required among trainee solicitors and lawyers who are working for their clients on the projects. This is why without good teamwork skills, a trainee solicitor will not only lack the ability to deliver the best quality of service for his/her clients, they might not even be able to complete their work on time.

However, when work is being delegated across different teams, and everyone commits to their assigned deadlines accurately, then this will definitely be a firm/a group of lawyers whom clients will treasure working with in the long run.

A Collaborative Firm Culture

Teamwork is important, not only for trainee solicitors to blend in with the team seamlessly, but also to nurture a collaborative culture within a law firm. When all trainees and associates in the team commonly support each other with their work, as opposed to passing blame, this will develop into a positive firm culture where everyone is happy and feels appreciated.

Internally, this is helpful for trainee solicitors and lawyers to increase their job satisfaction, whereas externally, clients will be much more confident to work with firms that work harmoniously as a team, as opposed to those that are rumoured to be uncooperative.

You'll never feel alone

Finally, teamwork is so important for trainee solicitors, because you will then understand a key concept while working in a law firm – which is ‘you are never alone’. With a highly functional team, everyone will be ready to cover for each other if anything unexpected happens to someone in the midst of a project. Trainees will also be able to seek help from their peers/seniors if they are unsure of anything during their work, or if they need a break or time-off in between.

Considering the amount of work a trainee might get, it is always helpful to know that you are never being left alone to deal with all of them, and your well-being and mental health still means a lot to you, and the firm.

Therefore, regardless if you are working in an enormous, international city firm with more than a hundred colleagues in your team, or if you are working in a team of 4-5 lawyers, teamwork is definitely a key skill to acquire as a trainee solicitor. Someone who can work efficiently in the team, will not only be an asset to the firm, but will exponentially increase the impact/scale of your work

Becoming a Lawyer