Wise Words - Leading Women Lawyers

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Wise Words

Up until now planning a legal career appeared relatively straightforward. Now we have fallen on “interesting” times.

Knowing what you know now, would you make the same career decisions? Or would you take a different path?

All of which got me thinking about the “career” advice I have received over the years.

Tip number 1
“Never marry a miner”
That advice was from a most unlikely source and was totally unsolicited. I started my legal career in Pontefract, a close-knit mining community which, in the 1970’s, was recovering from the trauma of the miners’ strike. As an articled clerk, I was regularly dispatched to Leeds for County Court directions hearings. Appearing before the Senior Registrar with some trepidation, he suddenly fixed his beady eye on me, demanded to know which firm I represented and then barked to my consternation “Never marry a miner!”

Tip number 2
“Would I want to “marry” any of the partners?”
I was advised by a senior partner to view potential partnership similar to marriage – if not worse!
To think seriously before committing my career and finances to such a motley and fickle crew! Given the current financial situation, partnership may appear even less attractive!

Tip number 3
“Always have an escape route”
It pays to have a preplanned escape route - even if you never use it. Fate can deal a most unexpected and unwanted hand. Flexibility is the key to success.
The advice came from an seasoned professional who survived the ups and downs in the law by always knowing that he had his life jacket safely packed should he need to jump ship or in the event of being pushed overboard!

Tip number 4
“Spend a little and save a little”
Always try to have something saved for rainy days. The perceived wisdom is 6 months salary.

Tip Number 5
“Be true to yourself – never do anything to risk your integrity”
There will be a time in every professional’s life when you are tempted to bend the rules.
Stand firm, recognize the situation for what it is – a test.

Tip Number 6
“Know what you want and how to get it“
- Speaks for itself!

Tip Number 7
“Never be too proud or too frightened to ask for help”
Wrestling with a perfectionist streak (and a macho culture in some law firms) means that we sometimes feel unable to ask for help when we should. I know from bitter experiences, when I started my “legal wobble”, the dangers that stress and not speaking up loud enough can have - with dire consequences to my health and career.

So what are your tips for success? What pieces of advice have you received good or bad? I would love to hear them please email them to me at jane@leadingwomenlawyers.co.uk

Until next time and best wishes

Jane Wintringham

Leading Women Lawyers, Develop4choice, 20 Thornfield Road, West Park, Leeds LS16 5AR, United Kingdom
Tel 0113 305 3604 | Email: info@leadingwomenlawyers.co.uk