Book review - 21st Century Solicitor

Like it or not, in the legal profession you make an impression, an impact and an opportunity from the first day that you set foot in the law firm.

Whether or not that impression is positive or negative, it can shape your career for the years to come. So how can you turn the everyday mundane into the real impact, so that you can be remembered for the right reasons?

For those of you that are ahead of the game, I would suggest that you start by reading 21st Century Solicitor - How to Make a Real Impact as a Junior Commercial Lawyer. The book sets out the basic requirements of a solicitor and the soft skills required in a practical, no nonsense manner that can be easily understood, unlike any other guide I have read before.

Steve Weiner sets out the 'most wanted' skills and top tips that can be applied by anyone (with many suggestions that can be applied within minutes), but also sets out the pitfalls to be avoided, which every solicitor needs to know. There is no doubt in my mind that if you want to learn how to communicate effectively, increase your personal brand and commerciality to impress your colleagues, then you should take the time to read this book.

While there is no manual, 21st Century Solicitor does a lot to bridge the gap so that paralegals, trainee solicitors and newly qualifieds can rest assured that not only are they making an impression, but that it is the right one and one that will be remembered for the right reasons. It is safe to say that this book is a must read for anyone working as a paralegal, trainee solicitor or newly qualified (and quite possibly could educate a few people who are already qualified).

9 out of 10 stars

21st Century Solicitor by Steve Weiner (Hart Publishing)

Sarah Bolt
JLD executive committee member