5 Things Law Firms Want from their New Hires

A single comma, in the wrong spot, can cause a contract to fall apart. That's why law firms put such an emphasis on producing high-quality work. New hires are expected to do the same. Whether it's drafting a legal document or simply conducting research, law firms expect a certain level of precision, and attention to detail.

This can be intimidating for sure, but there are ways of meeting that standard. This means staying organized, maintaining high personal standards, and reviewing your work to avoid errors. Here are some tips to help new legal professionals excel.

• Double-Check Everything: Review your work thoroughly to catch errors and maintain accuracy. Use tools like Grammarly, ProWritingAid, or WhiteSmoke for general proofreading, and consider Spellbook for legal-specific tasks like drafting and contract comparison.
• Must-Have Soft Skills: Communication, adaptability, and teamwork are essential. Emphasize these in your resume and during interviews.
• Develop Strong Time Management Skills: Prioritize tasks and plan proactively to stay ahead of deadlines. Use calendar apps to organize your week and ensure maximum productivity, anticipating the needs of upcoming cases or projects.

In many Hollywood shows, we often see the trope of the solo gunslinger lawyer who “works better alone,” but that couldn't be further from the reality of how the legal world operates. Law firms thrive on collaboration, teamwork, and mutual support, making it no surprise that they seek new hires who can seamlessly integrate into this dynamic. Firms value individuals who not only work well with others but also contribute meaningfully to team goals, foster positive relationships with colleagues, and strengthen the overall firm culture. The ability to collaborate effectively is just as important as individual expertise in today’s legal profession.

Firms value employees who are flexible and open to growth. As a new hire, you'll be expected to embrace feedback, learn from mistakes, and adapt to changes. Whether it's mastering new technology, handling unexpected case developments, or shifting priorities, adaptability is a critical skill.

This willingness to grow doesn't mean saying "yes" to everything or being on call at all times. It means being proactive about your professional development while recognizing that growth is a process. Approach new challenges with curiosity but don't let them consume your sense of self outside of work.

Strong communication skills are a must for any legal professional. Law firms expect new hires to ask questions when needed, provide feedback thoughtfully, and articulate ideas clearly. At the same time, professionalism — respect, integrity, and honesty — is a core value that underpins all interactions in the legal field.

Striking the right tone in communication is important, but so is carving out time for yourself to decompress. Taking moments to step away from work, even briefly, can help you return to professional interactions with a clear and calm mind.

• Ask Questions: Always seek clarification on assignments to ensure there is a full understanding of what is expected. If something is unclear, make sure you ask because you know what they say about making assumptions (“you make an ass of you and me”).
• Write Concisely: Develop strong legal writing skills by practicing clear, concise, persuasive communication. This doesn't just apply to writing drafts or contracts, it also applies to writing emails, and chat messages as well. Be clear and concise.