“The minute you read something you can’t understand, you can almost be sure that it was drawn up by a lawyer.”
Not our words but those of Will Rogers – who, in fairness, as Hollywood’s highest paid leading man of the 1930s, probably had to deal with a lot of fancy paperwork.
Today, however, chances are if you want a clear and deeper understanding of the Legal profession itself, the best place to go is in fact a lawyer.
Being s1jobs, of course, we didn’t go to just any lawyer.
Such is the calibre of David McKie, some might say he is simply showing off: here at s1jobs, however, we like to think of him as the legal profession’s man for all seasons.
Not only is he a partner in Levy and McRae, a law firm specialising in litigation, his own particular specialisms include legal work for newspapers, TV, radio and social media and websites.
Then there is his expertise in rural legalese for landowners, gamekeepers and others with an interest in field sports: an area in which, you might say, he is outstanding in his field.
Oh, and did we mention he is also the Head of Media law at the University of Glasgow?
Who better to quiz about the state of play in today’s Legal profession. So let’s start by asking: Can there be such a thing as a typical working day?
“I wish!” says David. “I can be in court in Inverness one day, at a meeting in the Borders the next, taking a University class the day after, then on to a day in the office, which in itself covers far too wide a variety of roles to go into today.”
“They are long, but very quick hours, if that makes sense.”
Indeed it does. The Legal profession can be, after all, a whirlwind. It’s a professional hazard known only too well, whether you are a Legal Secretary, Paralegal, starting out as a Solicitor or have already made it as a Senior Partner.
In fact, career progression is something in which David himself has a role – Head of Media Law, teaching an Honours class in the laws that govern media in Scotland and the UK.
“Since starting the class in 2006, my focus was to learn from my own education and to put myself in the students’ shoes,” David says.
“I am a great believer in explaining things in plain language and not assuming the students know a lot about the big bad world – I certainly didn’t.
“I therefore always use practical and real examples of stories we are legalling at the time and I tell them to read newspapers and watch the news daily.
“The upside to teaching is how much you learn – I hadn’t appreciated that before starting. I also hadn’t realised what a bind marking exam papers is!”
As someone who operates at so many levels of the profession, has he seen significant game changers affect anyone wishing to enter or progress their career in this sector?
“I think even in the 20 years since I started practising it is a much harder job,” he concedes.
“Technology has brought great advantages but also an expectation of 24/7 availability and that can bring its own pressures. To do this job, you need a capacity for hard work and a thick skin, although I suspect that is the case in very many professions. No job is easy these days.”
Overall, he sees the Legal employment sector as faring “not badly”.
“The most difficult part is for students trying to get on the rung,” he points out. “Many apply to us offering to work for free or to start as Paralegals with a view to getting their foot in the door.
“Once qualified, I think it is arguably a little easier to find work, but it is a very squeezed industry in a small country. There are court reforms round the corner that I also think will have an impact both on Solicitors and on the Bar (advocates).”
He adds: “Lawyers don’t always have the best reputation but there is no shortage of demand for youngsters wanting to enter our profession. TV and the perception of big money are an attraction.
“I think people can very quickly be put off when they realise that the reality is not always as glamorous as American TV box sets make it out to be!”
David believes that rather than shiny suits and Hollywood-scripted quips, what is most important in the Legal professions, is your work ethic is number one, adding: “Initiative, discretion, an understanding of people of your role as an adviser, and intelligence also help!”
The best career advice he ever took himself was that “as a lawyer, you are an adviser first and foremost”.
Coming from the man for all seasons, it’s sound advice to bear in mind. But for those aiming to climb the career ladder, David has one final piece of advice.
“The best tip I can give anyone is to be keen, to work hard and to show initiative.
“Also, be patient. It takes a long time to build experience and there will be mistakes and bumps along the road which you have to bear.”
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