Details
This candid, no-nonsense guide to excelling as a commercial lawyer offers a frank and forthright look at the modern solicitors' profession. Its aim is to advise those who seek to make a career out of commercial lawyering, and goes far beyond the common-sense guidance found in other current texts.
This is an honest, punchy and up-to-the-minute look at how to succeed early on in the profession, by an author who offers a unique combination of experience as a practitioner, trainer and law firm voyeur. The book takes into account the vast changes that the profession has undergone during the past few years. No longer is success in the law dependent on technical aptitude alone.
While good solicitors undoubtedly have to be able to understand and apply the law, to achieve success they must also master a range of what used to be called 'soft skills'. Taking this into account, the book explores every facet of what makes a modern, successful solicitor, concentrating in particular on personal branding and recognising the importance of self-awareness when working in a law firm.
It surfs lightly through theory, concentrating on practical and easily accessible hints and tips for young solicitors wanting to make a positive, lasting impression from day one.
Steve Weiner originally qualified as a solicitor in the City of London before practising as a commercial litigator. Since leaving private practice, Steve has worked as a Learning and Development professional, a skills trainer and a business coach in a number of leading City of London law firms. Steve is also an award-winning stand-up comic, has performed in comedy clubs all around the UK and is a TV actor, radio presenter and an accomplished comedy writer.
This book is a tool kit for all junior lawyers, written with a light touch but containing real substance, and covering all the key attributes for success as well as the potential pitfalls of life in practice. We have bought it for all our trainees.
Joanne Gubbay
Head of Practice Learning and Development, Ashurst LLP
An eye-opener for junior lawyers. A practical guide to the key business skills they need to develop. Highly recommended for any associate committed to their career.
Patrick McCann
Global Head of Learning and Development, Herbert Smith LLP
[A] tome of exceptional clarity...Weiner's book is sensible and down-to-earth. Few would disagree with his premise – that to succeed, today's lawyer has to be more than merely technically proficient – and Weiner ably distils the ways that a junior lawyer can make a difference.
Alex Wade
The Times
Thursday December 15, 2011
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).
Sarah Bolt, Junior Lawyers Division executive committee member
Junior Lawyers Division Blog
1st February 2012
