Back to Law School

So I've been out of education for a few months now, and I was getting used to just working office hours and not studying in the evening.  Having my evenings and weekends free has been an absolute dream and I've definitely made the most of having my free time back (mainly by napping).

I've been so occupied with work and life in general that I'd completely forgotten how close I was to attending the Professional Skills Course, which commences at the beginning of March.

I was unaware that preparation was required (how silly of me!) so last week, and to my horror, I turned up to work with some materials waiting for me on my desk. It was preparatory work for my Advocacy and Communication Skills workshop.

The panic ran through me, do I need to prepare to stand up and speak in front of people? Will I be judged? assessed? I haven't done it in so long! I've always been worried about speaking in front of people. However I thought to myself, I've managed to get through it in my seven years of education, so I think one last shot won't hurt.

I've been told that the PSC is nothing to worry about, but it's always going to be something that sits at the back of your mind. I shall let you know how I get on once I've sat my first set of classes. It can't be that bad...can it?

Things to Know when Dating a Lawyer

With valentines day coming up, people are either out celebrating with their loved one or (possibly) crying into their wine glass whilst watching Bridget Jones. But if you're thinking of, or are dating a lawyer, here are some things you should know...

1. We're Independent

Lawyers are extremely ambitious individuals. We know what we want and we're prepared to do it all on our own.  We don't need anyone to look after us and we're not prepared to let anyone distract us from our goals. 

2. We Can Argue......Extremely Well

We didn't go to law school for all of those years for nothing. Lawyers are trained to put forward a strong argument when faced with an opposing opinion. Not only that, but a lawyer will never argue unless they have the evidence and authority to back them up. So basically, if you're going to argue with one, you will lose. (Sorry!)


On the other hand, if you're ever faced with a problematic situation yourself, we will always be there to help. Don't worry, we have your back.

3. We Work Hard

There's no need to worry about 'keeping' us, we work long hours on difficult cases every day. Sometimes you may not even see us for a while. A negative perhaps? I think not, you'll need the space from us when we're too stressed over all of our deadlines.

4. Attention To Detail

One of the key skills required to be a lawyer is attention to detail. So we'll notice all the little things about you, more importantly, we'll appreciate all the small things you do for us as well as the major things.

5. Non-materialistic

We can afford our own designer gear, so if you think those new designer shoes are going to win her over? Oh no no no, she's already got them in three colours sitting in her wardrobe at home.

6. We Like A Drink

It's commonly thought that lawyers are boring, unapproachable and too focused on their careers. But we all have to let go every once in a while! Lawyers are by far one of the best groups of people to go out with. We don't get out much so when we do, we go for it!

7. We're Intelligent

According to most people (I'm basing this on my friends' opinions, please don't judge), dating an intelligent person is 'sexy'.  Well, we all made it through 4 years of law school so I think enough has been said!

8. We Can't Do Maths

Unless you are specifically dealing with a lawyer who works with numbers, we just cannot understand maths. So, having someone to help with numbers from time to time would be a massive help to us. Blow our minds with a crazy equation and we're yours.

Corporate or Comfy?

Fashion. Something that can be expressed in a variety of ways, from bold colours and patterns to different cuts and shapes to enhance the human 'figure'.

Traditionally, lawyers have been expected to wear suits/office attire, in either a black or other dark colour. Something that the everyday person would consider boring, but it's known to be smart and professional when representing yourself to the client.

In recent years, more casual office wear has been introduced to the work place. So I wondered whether this would work in a law firm. Would clients be happy to attend a meeting with their Solicitor when dressed in smart jeans and a more comfortable top? I'm not sure...so I thought I'd ask them.

I asked a variety of people how they would expect their lawyer to be dressed. The majority of those asked did say that formal office attire was important as Lawyers are a representative of themselves and their firm. Many also said that corporate attire was necessary for the corporate industry.

However, a small number of people had commented saying that on 'dress down days' at their work, and when meeting with a client, the clients thought that the casual dress down clothing made their Solicitor appear to be more approachable and not as 'scary' as the general public would assume.

So perhaps there is a divide, corporate clothes for corporate clients and more casual clothing for private clients? It would be good to hear your thoughts.  I'm a believer that casual clothing in the office does work, but if you are seeing a client, formal attire must be worn. I think that I would be more productive in casual clothing as I would be more comfortable, but everyone has their own opinion and it's definitely a a situation where you can't please everybody!