The Right Stuff
Managing partners give Emily Styles their views on the most important attributes of an outstanding commercial solicitor
Ann Lalor Pinsent Masons Our firm values are Approachable, Bold and Connected — these qualities are embedded in our culture and are important attributes for a successful commercial solicitor. In addition, commerciality is a key attribute. By this I mean the ability to look at an issue or a negotiation point from the perspective of the practical commercial consequence. It is not uncommon to see lawyers waste significant time on academic points that are not in fact meaningful to the commercial outcome. Other important attributes include strong people skills, attention to detail and the ability to multitask.
Geoff Moore Arthur Cox As well as legal expertise, which is a given, I think a successful commercial solicitor is generally a well-rounded individual, who is always open to learning. Communication skills are important, as well as commercial awareness and adaptability, as the industry is changing so much. Collaboration, working with a team and looking after your team are also essential. Empathy is an increasingly important trait in this everchanging world.
Jonathan Sheehan Walkers Strong technical skills are a given. However, there is much more to being an effective commercial lawyer. Clients want lawyers with a commercial focus who understand their business and market and are adept at problem solving. Collaboration and being a team player are also key. Many of the transactions and matters we advise on involve a wide range of stakeholders and colleagues across practice areas, service lines and offices within our own firm. You need to be able to communicate and collaborate effectively in order to deliver and provide the solutions that clients expect and need.
Mark Homan BHSM An outstanding commercial solicitor will have two primary features: technical ability, and a drive to deliver the best possible service to his or her clients.
Feargal Brennan ByrneWallace Competence, intelligence, and ability to communicate clearly and distil complex scenarios into intelligible advice are all vital
elements of being a good lawyer. Lawyers must also be genuinely decent people imbued with integrity.
Lisa Broderick DAC Beachcroft Lawyers today need a broad skillset far beyond technical excellence. Strong interpersonal skills will build meaningful relationships, not just cases. Commercial acumen will make sure that a client’s problems are being heard and understood from a commercial perspective. Creative thinking and collaborative ways of working will then help to find innovative and tailored solutions.
Donnacha O’Connor Dillon Eustace Honesty, work ethic, being calm, commercial, solutions-oriented and being able to get on with people would be my top picks.
Alan Connell Eversheds Sutherland A key point for any commercial solicitor to be alive to is that clients want advice, not information. At Eversheds Sutherland we have a strong culture of investing in our people — we train, nurture and mentor our lawyers to take a commercially driven, solutionfocused, and ‘can-do’ approach. This ensures our teams provide clear, succinct, and bespoke advice focused on our client’s actual and anticipated needs.