All in the preparation: young lawyers’ event aims to build solid career foundations

YOUNG lawyers will be told this week that they are “the shepherds of society” and have a crucial role to play in making sure that decision-makers “do the right thing at the right time”.

The Scottish Young Lawyers’ Association (SYLA) holds its annual conference – Progression in the Profession: Building Future Leaders – in Edinburgh on Friday, with Colonel James Durant III as the keynote speaker.

Col Durant, head of legal services at USAFE-UK (United States Air Forces in Europe), is a lawyer and military man and has held a variety of leadership roles over the last decade, including chair of GPSSD (general practice, solo and small firm division) of the American Bar Association. He will speak on Service To Others: The Character of a Good Leader. So, what are the key attributes?

“Honesty, humility, doing what’s right at the right time – and the ability to inspire others to do that,” he said. “I will tell the young lawyers they are very important – the shepherds of society – because society is full of nations of laws. We as lawyers have been given the opportunity to help those who govern others under law.

“It is not just about making money. We are paid well, but it’s more about looking back and saying, ‘I helped build that community park’, ‘I helped that corporation grow’, ‘I stopped child abuse in that community’.”

Col Durant was a military officer when he went to law school: “The deal was that I came back and worked in the armed forces. I did, then moved into leadership roles.”

He believes there are great examples of lawyers who lead around the world, and cites Martin Luther King’s lawyer Fred Gray as a shining example.

“Lawyers make key decisions all the time – for leaders of big corporations, non-profit organisations and government bodies. Lawyers are leading from day one,” he said.

“Being able to manage people is very important. The definition of leadership is the art of influencing others to achieve a goal, and a good lawyer has a knack of inspiring others.”

Other speakers at the conference include Mark Muller, QC, a barrister and advocate who will talk about the lawyer’s role in addressing global issues. Topics covered on the day (in addition to leadership) include career progression, business development, flexibility and managing professional relationships.

Catriona Headley, president of the SYLA, said: “It sounds clichéd, but the young lawyers of today are the future leaders of the profession. Instilling skills and confidence and providing a little inspiration are a very important part of helping young lawyers achieve their potential.

“Business development has become an essential part of being a lawyer in the current economic climate, and not just for associates and partners. Newly qualified solicitors are increasingly expected to be able to bring work to their firm as well as just doing it, and that’s why two sessions have been dedicated to business development.

“We also have two sessions on career progression: on how to move from trainee to assistant to partner, and how to be professionally flexible. Both will be important for lawyers seeking advancement in the next decade.”