“Improving your career in a changing market”
Institute of Barristers’ Clerks Conference
16th November 2019 Introduction
Welcome
Nick Rees Managing Director of GRL Legal
Workshop format
Our panel
Questions GRL Legal LLP
About us
What do we do
Who we are
Why come to us
3 Our Panel
Jason Housden Practice Director at Matrix Chambers
Dave Scothern Chambers Director at 5 St Andrews Hill
Jackie Ginty Deputy Senior Clerk at One Essex Court
Paul Reece GRL Director Market Changes
What on earth is going on out there ??
More demanding Bar
Even greater emphasis on business development
Leaders and effective leadership
Increased opportunity
New work – new markets/clients/approaches – overseas growing rapidly
More robust and detailed processes
More demanding applicants
Very positive market environment Greater demands
Undoubtedly the Bar has become more demanding, why?
Increased competition from within Bar and externally
New ways of attracting business
New types of clients
New areas of work
Clients becoming even more savvy
Unwillingness to wait
Laterals – less afraid of jumping Sets What does the market want?
Business Development!!
Ability to promote and market (individuals and business) Capable leaders and effective leadership Strategic thinkers able to think, plan and execute “We must have someone capable of leading our business and driving it forward” “We all need strong leadership” “We want an individual that fully understands our business (27 practice areas) and our people (north of 100 members and our clients (high street to magic circle and everything in between)” “must be able to develop business through own network and be comfortable with our clients (to senior partner) ”Possess the clear ability to manage and develop skilled teams delivering different parts of the business” Increased opportunity (big time)
Sets more willing to consider individuals from within business or from Clerk/PM ranks
Blurring of lines and roles – rise of the dual role
Confidence growing – Bar/Candidates – giving youth a chance
Recognition and appreciation of the range of skills developed
External competition for those skills – new roles
Failure of others
Leading Sets setting their stalls out
External individuals being paired with internal, not other way round
Results count more than ever!
International work
Training and development paying off Continued development
Opportunity, but not without effort
Add qualifications and negotiate training
Mentor and develop colleagues
Stay in touch with market developments
Set targets, achieve and go beyond,
BD – draw up client contact list
Seek advice from enormously friendly consultants (GRL !) Making it count
Selling yourself
Amazing how many people can’t
Develop your professional image
Be confident, be yourself
Ensure you have an up-to-date CV
CV’s take time to perfect
Awareness of the transformation from junior to senior
Contact those very friendly consultants – free CV clinic /easily accessible (not Sundays !) Build and perfect
An ever growing list !
Know your market and product Entrepreneurial yet professional approach Develop your approach to learning/development Time management and the ability to get things done Assertiveness, resilience and positivity Ability to lead, including self Effective communication, diplomacy and tact The ability to say no Defining and achieving professional goals Management Top Tips from our panel
Jason Housden
Dave Scothern
Jackie Ginty
Paul Reece Summary – to take away
The market is in an extremely positive position – expect this to accelerate Current market demands are (very much) in your favour Plenty of opportunity – ensure you are ready to move on it Be positive and focused Be clear about what you want – this can and should evolve Seek advice and support where helpful – big names using business coaching Keep pushing those around you – senior colleagues/members/clients (not to be taken literally!) Thanks to our panel Good luck!!
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