21st Century Solicitor: How to Make a Real Impact as a Junior Commercial Lawyer [Paperback]

[A] tome of exceptional clarity...Weiner's book is sensible and down-to-earth. Few would disagree with his premise that to succeed, today's lawyer has to be more than merely technically proficient and Weiner ably distils the ways that a junior lawyer can make a difference. --Alex WadeThe Times, Thursday December 15, 2011

There is no doubt in my mind that if you want to learn how to communicate effectively, increase your personal brand and commerciality to impress your colleagues, then you should take the time to read this bookWhile there is no manual, 21st Century Solicitor does a lot to bridge the gap so that paralegals, trainee solicitors and newly qualifieds can rest assured that not only are they making an impression, but that it is the right one and one that will be remembered for the right reasons. It is safe to say that this book is a must read for anyone working as a paralegal, trainee solicitor or newly qualified (and quite possibly could educate a few people who are already qualified). --Sarah Bolt, Junior Lawyers Division executive committee memberJunior Lawyers Division Blog, 1st February 2012

This book is a tool kit for all junior lawyers, written with a light touch but containing real substance, and covering all the key attributes for success as well as the potential pitfalls of life in practice.  We have bought it for all our trainees. --Joanne Gubbay, Head of Practice Learning and Development, Ashurst LLP

This might be news: success as a twenty-first century solicitor is not dependent on your technical aptitude alone. Sorry. As well as the basic requirements of understanding and applying the law superbly, you are also now expected to master a whole suite of so-called soft skills -- communicating empathetically, acting commercially, writing carefully, presenting brilliantly, networking sensibly and building relationships enthusiastically. These skills might be called soft by our industry, but the reality is that they are both incredibly hard and vitally important -- especially as a junior commercial lawyer keen to make a likeable, professional, commercial and lasting positive impression on those in control of your embryonic career. Written by a lawyer with unique experience as a commercial practitioner, trainer and law-firm voyeur, this no-nonsense how to guide is an honest, punchy and modern look at all the skills you don t get taught at law school, yet are absolutely critical to achieving success from day one of your life as a twenty-first century solicitor.

Steve Weiner originally qualified as a solicitor in the City of London before practising as a commercial litigator. Since leaving private practice, Steve has worked as a Learning and Development professional, a skills trainer and a business coach in a number of leading City of London law firms. Steve is also an award-winning stand-up comic, has performed in comedy clubs all around the UK and is a TV actor, radio presenter and an accomplished comedy writer.