24 Life Lessons from 24 Months as a Lawyer in 24 Minutes

Рет қаралды 72,807

Күн бұрын

Sign up to Third Way Legal, today's sponsor, for free to find out exactly what top firms and in-house legal teams are paying and discover in-house and private practice legal jobs: www.thirdway.pro/LiamPorritt
I've been a trainee corporate lawyer for 2 whole years now, and I've made mistakes almost daily, so I thought that the end of my trainee lawyer journey would be the perfect time to share some of the lessons I've learned so far. The start of any career is going to be tough at times - new teams, new ways of working, new concepts, new skills, new technology 🤔
Here are just a few of the things I've found difficult at times over the last 24 months: getting used to different people's working styles, sometimes having to make sacrifices to do well in my job, being at the bottom of the ladder often with less visibility on the big picture, and feeling like the tasks I am doing require relatively little knowledge or skill.
But I think I've learned to work through these challenges, and better cope with balancing work and my life outside of work, workplace politics, and my position as a junior within a large organisation 😊 So, I hope that you find some of these lessons helpful as you start your career, and hopefully you can avoid making some of the mistakes I've made over the last 24 months 🙌
00:00 Intro
00:45 Compete on quality not quantity
01:53 Make sacrifices at the start
02:52 Assume you are wrong
04:14 Spend longer than you think you need
04:56 Enjoy downtime
05:18 Work from home less than you want to
06:01 Communicate your priorities early
06:52 Ask the question, once you've spent 10 mins thinking about it
07:34 Third Way Legal
08:54 There is such a thing as a stupid question (one you can Google)
09:49 Be clear on the deliverable before you start
10:51 Use Airpods (Pro) in the office
12:02 12 Exercise in short bursts, even when you're busy
12:49 Spend like you earn 25% less
13:44 Write down everything when someone is giving you a task / briefing
14:32 Steer clear of the panickers, competitors & all-round drama bringers
15:28 Upgrade your work-from-home setup
16:12 Re-read before you send
16:54 Learn to protect yourself
18:42 Relax (your career is long)
19:21 Explore opportunities outside your current job
20:53 Learn shortcuts
21:20 Make other people's lives easy
22:25 Learn beyond the task
23:40 Use people's assumptions as motivation to crush it
………………………………………………….
Menos - Minimalist, sustainable backpacks (by Liam & Beth)
Get one of only 200 grey and 400 black Menos backpacks, made from recycled plastic - wearemenos.com ✨
Beth and I created Menos to bring minimalist, sustainable design to help us all boss the everyday. Our backpacks are each made from 15 post-consumer recycled plastic bottles. Plus, we collect 100 ocean-bound plastic bottles with every bag purchased.
Water resistance, 180-degree opening, internal bottle holder, USB charging port, easy-access side pocket, hidden anti-theft zips, ergonomic back padding, embroidered detailing.
Follow Menos (@wearemenos on Instagram) - / wearemenos
………………………………………………….
About Me
I'm a trainee lawyer, part-time KZfaqr, son, brother, startup founder, boyfriend, black coffee drinker and plant dad. I graduated from Cambridge University (where I studied French and Spanish), topped my law school class and now work for a corporate law firm in London as a trainee solicitor (which takes up a lot of my time)!
Around that, I'm a big fan of discovering new ways of thinking, of balancing work with life, and of performing to the very best of my ability. Ohh, and being happy. And I try to share all that on this KZfaq channel 😀
Fun fact: I believe we massively overplay the role of “natural talent” 😮 AND… I also believe that TOGETHER, WE ARE ALL CAPABLE OF POSITIVITY, PRODUCTIVITY AND SUCCESS.
📸 Instagram - / liam.porritt
🌍 My little kingdom - liamporritt.com
………………………………………………….
Disclaimer:
Information, views and opinions depicted in this video are my own. Information visible on screens or in documents does not relate to my work as a lawyer for clients.
………………………………………………….
Thanks so much to Third Way Legal for sponsoring this video!

Пікірлер: 99

@Nicole.Cranshaw Жыл бұрын

I love that you mentioned that there can be stupid questions. This definitely depends on the context and the work culture. I tend to ask questions I can google to start small talk and conversations in the office and it works almost 100% of the time

@liam.porritt Жыл бұрын

Thanks, Nicole! Yes - in that sense, for sure you can ask questions you could Google. I more meant when being given a task / in a meeting / working with someone who is very busy

@melodybucker3803 Жыл бұрын

I am 43 years old and learning SO much from you! I am switching careers, and this info applies here as well

@artusfarfalla Жыл бұрын

It's never too late for that! I am "leaving" academics myself, but don't want to leave law. All the best. 😊

@melodybucker3803 Жыл бұрын

Thank you🙂

@liam.porritt Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much Melody - really appreciate you commenting :)

@walesz92 Жыл бұрын

I'm a (soon-to-be-senior) software developer, I have nothing to do with law on any level and still I find Liam's videos amazing and absolutely helpful 😁 Not to mention inspiring. Thank you for sharing!

@liam.porritt Жыл бұрын

Wow, thank you so so much - this comment has made my morning!

@milestomoney3448 Жыл бұрын

same here. Not sure why but this video is being recommended to those who watch software development vids

@PurityNetwork Жыл бұрын

I'm a self taught software engineer now senior technical architect (took 5 years). Liam's attitude is exactly what you need for success. Well done Valentina.

@alishaseahra8912 Жыл бұрын

I never leave KZfaq comments but I have to say I really enjoyed this video. This is one of your best videos to date and one of THE most invaluable and insightful videos from any creator I've seen in the Legal industry overall. As a future in house lawyer, I already do some of these things but this video really goes beyond and into the Why's of doing these things. Thanks for the brilliant content Liam, especially as it applies to those in Law generally regardless of whether they're in PP or in house (which a lot of content creators single out).

@joepowell7834 Жыл бұрын

Hey Liam, just started out in a corporate law firm and finding your content really useful for my first few weeks. Keep up the good work bud

@pamfan221 Жыл бұрын

Great point on bringing a positive attitude to work where you're not complaining to anyone and everyone around you willing to listen. It's important to keep mentors and friends whom you can vent to when work gets tough, so complaining to them in private settings can be a healthy pressure valve, but it's equally important to not let your moodiness leak through outside those confined settings.

@Paocatanara Жыл бұрын

Loved this video Liam! I am a lawyer from Costa Rica in charge of a Corporate Department in a Law Firm. I’ll definitely be sharing this video with my team 🤓

@carlosfigueroa969 Жыл бұрын

Thank you 🙏🏻! I needed number 19 as I’ve recently started a new position and have been so stressed out. It’s nice to be reminded that I have been doing this job for years and will continue to, for many years I hope 😆!

@wheytoomuchbrotein Жыл бұрын

G’day Liam. Just wanted to say a massive thank you for the information you put in your videos. In a few months I’ll be jumping on a plane from Perth in Western Australia and starting my law career in London. The videos settle a few nerves! Hope all’s well in your world, mate. Stay safe!

@victoriaguerra2774 Жыл бұрын

I just found your KZfaq channel this week and it's helped me immensely. Thank you for your great videos! 😊

@liam.porritt Жыл бұрын

So happy to hear that! Thank you!!

@SP-nb9ti Жыл бұрын

We need a new desk and home office setup video which fits more for hybrid work. Thanks Liam for these lessons. Very applicable in consulting today.

@victoriat9145 Жыл бұрын

Such such helpful tips! Thank you for sharing!

@TimVanDijck Жыл бұрын

Hi Liam, I just discovered your channel today and watched a handful of video's. I have to say I really like the content and your style of video's. Kudos!

@lai0005 Жыл бұрын

Started watching Liam before i started my LLB, am halfway through now and feel like were doing this together after always coming back to his videos

@liam.porritt Жыл бұрын

Love it Daniel!! Best of luck with the rest of your LLB, and hope to cross paths at some point when you're a hot shot lawyer :p

@danielo.chamlati6178 Жыл бұрын

I also work at corporate, learning to write really fast and precise without needing to look at the keyboard is a game changer, also, never burn another coworker. Just when it’s absolutely necessary, i.e. the coworker blaming you for their bad work, outside of that, always help others have positive images with the bosses, they’ll love you and help you always.

@ranipahn994 Жыл бұрын

As a french tax law student, I've been following you for quite some time now, I can't wait to perhaps meet you as a fellow in my career, I love your content, I'll take a break to enjoy this video tonight

@roderickdofing3892 Жыл бұрын

Heureux de voir un camarade ici ! Vous êtes étudiant en quel master ?

@liam.porritt Жыл бұрын

Merci mille fois - I'd love to do a meet-up sometime, but not sure where and when I would do it :p

@santoshgurung638 Жыл бұрын

Thats great recap and review. I need to do it as well as move forward. Thanks for sharing. Good Day to you

@liam.porritt Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much Santosh :)

@everythingunderthesun5575 Жыл бұрын

Could you do a short script of how you would tell them your priorities? Specifically, about daily things you want to make time for like going to the gym and having dinner with a loved one, and then if you’re in a relationship and want to have a monthly date night or biweekly? How would you try to set these boundaries as a first year?

@najm5698 Жыл бұрын

Hi Liam ! Thank you so much for these tips. I really like your personality and I am proud of the lawyer you are... I am proud of you, and I wish you all the best.

@liam.porritt Жыл бұрын

This really means a lot Chems-Eddine :) I massively appreciate your support!!

@escher-dronesolution Жыл бұрын

i am 16 years old and in a commercial apprenticeship and have big ambitions and goals. your video had great informations and was was very interesting. very sympathetic and well explained with good tips! thank you - keep it up

@gg.c.vv.5724 Жыл бұрын

Brilliant as always, thank you Liam!

@musikhamster01 Жыл бұрын

I've just started a new job last month. Not my dream job and definitely not the one I want to grow old at, but it brings me closer to my dream job because of the money I earn. So this videos is pretty good for me and I'm trying to put some of the things you've mentioned into practice. One advice I'd share: Don't hesitate to ask. Ask for help when needed but also for others to do a things with/for you.

@artusfarfalla Жыл бұрын

Congrats! Your channel has been an inspiration to start my own. Thank you for that! 😊

@liam.porritt Жыл бұрын

Amazing - best of luck, Artus :)

@acezachary Жыл бұрын

Awesome content! Definitely one of the must watch!

@Sannaland Жыл бұрын

This was really cool & informative. I learnt the same things as a trainee in management too 😊

@williamm7514 Жыл бұрын

Starting my TC next March - this is super helpful thank you!

@liam.porritt Жыл бұрын

Thank you :)

@liam.porritt Жыл бұрын

... and good luck!!!

@drewmoran8199 Жыл бұрын

Budget desk setup would be a great video

@janesmith9024 Жыл бұрын

Good point on this and similar to what I do as a old lawyer - eg sending the format in advance sometimes eg to a client and saying is this the kind of thing needed - not because they will decide the law and what is needed but because they may want a different style of precedent or length etc. Also spending a bit extra time to check things is very good and I constantly have to tell myself just to pause and think and look at something again even though I would love to get it off my desk. Finally I love it when junior people ask questions (without reason) as I would much rather we found a mistake than they kept silent and we sent it out. They have to tell flight crew about this issue too - do not let the plane crash because you all put too much faith in the pilot. If in doubt speak out even if you risk looking like a fool. Being positive is good too. The world is full of moaners at times and they are not nice to be around. Always look on the bright side...

@ClaireDobransky Жыл бұрын

I was just looking at your bag line… What I think is really interesting is that it is sort of the opposite of the tactical gear culture that is popular in America, marked by a messy bag with a lot of exterior compartments, over preparing, etc. I wonder if the simplicity of your line is a philosophical statement against gun culture? 🤔 in any case, the bags are gorgeous and I love them!

@danieldelicate8015 Жыл бұрын

Liam you can put a delay send rule in Outlook… always useful if you can’t recall did I send to x y or z… did I include all my attachments… etc. 3 to 5 mins normally is sufficient.

@weeliangzheng Жыл бұрын

Outlook allows you to set a "rule" that would delay all emails sent from your computer, I currently have this set to 3 minutes. I find that this is really good because it gives me a chance to go back, review, and make any changes that are necessary before it actually goes out.

@sean2532 Жыл бұрын

Budget desk set up would be interesting 👍

@dawnfmEnthusiast 9 ай бұрын

Thank you!

@cannonbush1598 Жыл бұрын

I would love to see a “budget desk set up” video

@AlexAlex-vn2dz Жыл бұрын

Loving the windows shortcut for split screen. Windows key + left arrow key 😅

@sti99 Жыл бұрын

Hello @Liam. Thanks for the video. It’s a treasure trove of advices and the delivery is smooth as usual. 👌🏽 I received this career advice at the end of my studies : If you are asked for the amount of time you’ll need to perform a task or deliver a document, always give twice the amount you think you’ll actually need so that you can deliver way before the deadline and be seen as an efficient person. I would appreciate having your take on that.

@liam.porritt Жыл бұрын

Yep - I think that is very good advice. I guess the only caveat to that is where it clearly should take less time than you say, and the person giving you the task might wonder why on earth you think it will take you so long! :p Thanks for this though!!

@Zolineee 11 ай бұрын

I usually never comment ... But these are really, really great pieces of advice for any office job!☺. I have not heard them before et they are doable! :) Thank you, Liam (from a French HR Manager 😉) !

@Percypig17 Жыл бұрын

Great advice Liam

@MomijiTMO Жыл бұрын

Great advice!

@madisonbear4364 Жыл бұрын

These are actually pretty good lessons imho. thx

@lianzhao3737 Жыл бұрын

This is gold, mate

@angelamarie4137 Жыл бұрын

You're so lucky to have Google. I graduated and started my career when Google was still a baby. You wouldn't believe the huge volume of books we were required to have on hand, as well as the immense amount of time spent in a library doing research. I didn't always have assistants on hand.

@scottsanett Жыл бұрын

Super helpful for a new trainee like me!

@liam.porritt Жыл бұрын

Very glad! Thank you :)

@alexandreleandro6566 9 ай бұрын

Great video! Could you make one on best home setups to work? Im a foreign lawyer moving to north america and this would help me adapt

@karbonesh Жыл бұрын

Big fan, love your videos, I work in an investment firm as a financial analyst, and I found these tips applicable to me as well. Definitely going to start implementing some of these useful insights, thanks for sharing!

@metalman0708 Жыл бұрын

For me, when I am sending a crucial conversation email. I compose the first draft, put it in my draft folder without a recipient, then review after a minimum of 15 minutes. After that I review edit and send.

@sophie.hellotherehey Жыл бұрын

budget home setup would be highly appreciated! 😍

@nisalwickramasinghe2878 7 ай бұрын

Great content! The tips you have outlined here are applicable for a multitude of jobs within the corporate sector. And it baffles me as well when people underestimate the value of a proper setup for their work. You can't be an elite performer without having the right trade tools, its not a waste of money but a valuable investment for your future.

@mitchellvandoorn2625 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the shortcuts thing man haha!

@SuperSportsMania Жыл бұрын

Great video and amazing advice! With respect to the savings advice, I'd like to push back on that and say the 25% threshold is pretty high. I think splitting that percentage between savings and investments is more important long-term to an associate's financial success. I would recommend doing self-learning personal finance before starting the job to get a good understanding of what to do with the funds when it comes in 😀

@maudeculis-fery4141 Жыл бұрын

AMAZING advice !! Works super well in Investment Banking too ha ha!

@jiaqi7681 Жыл бұрын

this video is so helpful.

@liam.porritt Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much :)

@ferlou2373 Жыл бұрын

As a student spending so much time in front of my Computer, I'd be very interested in a budget desktop video.

@belgianromi Жыл бұрын

This is so interesting! Regarding number 2 (Make sacrifices), I must say that it may not be the best of ideas for some people in certain careers/work environments. Sometimes agreeing to sacrifice your personal free time will end up making a habit of it and giving your superiors the impression that they can require this from you. I do reckon that in corporate, it's important to be flexible (i.e. the law and deadlines often aren't). But I wouldn't advice anyone to trade a few weekends at the beginning of their career just so they could earn a free Saturday for their girlfriend's birthday later down the road...

@Pencilman246 7 ай бұрын

You give an inch, they’ll take a foot… and never give it back. Don’t work weekends or you’re not only going to sign yourself up for that for the rest of your career, but your coworkers will be expected to as well. Set realistic boundaries EARLY.

@mohmeegaik6686 Жыл бұрын

A great video. Have subscribed to your channel.

@liam.porritt Жыл бұрын

Awesome, thank you!

@vegardsvendsen3756 Жыл бұрын

Please make the budget setup video!

@alimay967 Жыл бұрын

A great video!

@liam.porritt Жыл бұрын

Really glad you enjoyed it :) Thank you!

@PhilaNgcobo Жыл бұрын

First to like the video🙂, Thanks for the value you've been providing broe🔥❤

@liam.porritt Жыл бұрын

I appreciate you, bro :)

@MikeSmith-rd9fi Жыл бұрын

The new airpod pro noise cancelling is unbelievable.

@abhisinhaa22 Жыл бұрын

Hey man, as you have learnt Spanish as well as french, do they really help you in this corporate job? And what thing you recommend a first year law student to learn extra aside from law itself which will be useful in future

@liam.porritt Жыл бұрын

I just spent 6 months working in our Paris office, where my experience was significantly improved by speaking fluent French :) I think I'd say general commercial and financial awareness - understanding interest rates, political / economic issues, exploring how companies work + what makes them successful. These are all pieces of knowledge that you won't necessarily directly use, but will be invaluable as background to everything you work on

@abhisinhaa22 Жыл бұрын

@@liam.porritt thanks man for valuable information!!!

@fmm2371 Жыл бұрын

Instead of saying “I’ve misunderstood” say something like “am I understanding correctly that…” “ from what you’ve said, I’m understanding that…is that what you meant?” “Can I just go over my thoughts with you on…” Using a negative word or self deprecating at work instantly triggers an impression in someone’s mind that you have poor comprehension rather than you’ve been critically thinking about the task or work 😊

@mid-rantrants4019 Жыл бұрын

Fundamentally ... fundamentals

@KylaMatriano 5 ай бұрын

I don't earn over 100k a year but if I did, I guess transport and lunch expenses would be nothing, lol! 😅

@usman8194 Жыл бұрын

Just an idea, perhaps have like a cinematic intro before a video?!

@shaneluke1608 Жыл бұрын

I seen Trello. Yucky!!!

@Max-ve5tu Жыл бұрын

Advice #24: Be like Mike!

@gakpetor1 Жыл бұрын

Ngl it's pretty toxic that you have to work on your weekend, to not be seen as a slacker.

@hollydavid69 Ай бұрын

You seem very sure of yourself.

@mid-rantrants4019 Жыл бұрын

Sure, assume you are wrong, but prefacing every single comment with "I am probably misunderstanding" is not good advice in my opinion. Intelligent lawyers will want you to get to the point. The way you phrase your comments and questions can sufficiently reflect your deferential attitude - I suspect you had not quite mastered that reflection which is what led you to get into trouble

@lisamschlenker1495 Жыл бұрын

I always try to phrase it in a way like: I want to understand the process at hand, so why is it that xyz? So not telling them that they are wrong but communicating interest in understanding the current topic more thoroughly. (I have no idea if my English translation sounds politely since German is my mother tongue and the language at work. But there I never had any problems with my way.)

@liam.porritt Жыл бұрын

I think these are both valid comments - I don't think people should preface every comments in that way. I guess I more meant where you are directly saying that you think something is wrong, but could be missing something yourself, I think this is a good approach, and one that has worked for me :) Not at all to say there aren't other ways of showing deference / uncertainty, but this is just an approach I sometimes take.