The Essential Skills, Qualities & Mindsets For Today’s And Tomorrow’s Solo Lawyer
From long lists to what really matters in the future for solo legal practitioner solicitors
I used to have this big long list of skills that the modern solo lawyer should have in my future of law presentations.
It chopped and changed and grew over time, until one day I looked at it, shook my head and said to myself - no one could ever be expected to have all these skills as a lawyer practising on their own.
So I cut it down. A lot.
Here is what I think really matters for today’s and tomorrow’s solo lawyer.
Professional relevance - you need to be seen and you need to be known for something.
High level strategic problem solving - less focus on technical skills and more on predictive, preventative and holistic client issues.
Experimentation and adaptability - the willingness to keep learning, to try new things, and to accept that most attempts will fail in a world that is fast and ever changing.
Networking and relationship building - building communities of people you trust, online and offline.
AI literacy - knowing what AI can do for you and your clients, and how to optimise its use.
Paul Ippolito, Principal of Ippolito Advisory, is a coach for lawyers helping solo lawyers and solicitors set up, launch, and grow their practices. He is available for media enquiries, speaking and consulting. You can contact him here.
