The skills you need to succeed & qualify: Q&A with Fletchers Solicitors 

Law Training Centre is passionate about helping aspiring legal professionals understand what a career in law really looks like beyond textbooks and theory. That’s why we regularly collaborate with industry partners to bring real insight from practitioners directly to those exploring their legal careers. 

Recently, we partnered with AllAboutLaw to host a live digital session featuring a Q&A with Fletchers Solicitors. During the session, Co-Founder Dino Dullabh spoke with Sharon Banga, Principal Associate at Fletchers, about the realities of working in law, the skills firms look for, and how aspiring lawyers can position themselves for success.  

Missed the session? No need to worry! Here are some of the key insights… 

Understanding what working in law really looks like 

One of the most important takeaways from the session was how collaborative legal practice truly is. 

Sharon explained that while lawyers are often seen as individually responsible for their cases, the reality is very different. In practice, legal work is often delivered by teams. Within her role at Fletchers Solicitors, Sharon manages a team with a mix of experience levels, from experienced qualified lawyers through to paralegals and administrative professionals. 

This team-based approach is now standard across many law firms. Courts increasingly expect work to be delegated appropriately to ensure that tasks are handled by the right level of experience. Administrative and paralegal team members often assist with document preparation, research, and case management, while senior lawyers focus on strategy and complex legal decisions. 

For those starting out in law, this highlights the importance of early career roles. Positions such as legal assistants or paralegals are not simply entry points, they are essential parts of how legal teams function and provide valuable experience in the practical side of legal work. 

Legal careers don’t always follow a straight path 

Another key message from the session was that legal careers rarely develop in a perfectly linear way. Like many professionals in the legal sector, Sharon didn’t necessarily set out with a clear plan to specialise in clinical negligence. Instead, her career evolved through experience, opportunities, and exposure to different areas of practice. 

This is an important point for students, graduates, and career changers who may feel uncertain about their long-term direction. Exploring different roles while building practical experience and remaining open to new opportunities can often lead to discovering areas of law that genuinely inspire you. 

The skills law firms really value 

During the discussion, Sharon and Dino also highlighted the key skills that law firms consistently look for when recruiting new talent. 

• Communication – Legal professionals must be able to explain complex ideas clearly to clients, colleagues and the courts. Strong communication skills help build trust and ensure clients fully understand their cases. 

• Teamwork – As Sharon described, legal work is rarely done in isolation. Being able to collaborate effectively with colleagues across different levels of experience is essential. 

• Organisation and attention to detail – Legal cases involve significant documentation, strict deadlines, and detailed procedures. Strong organisational skills and careful attention to detail are vital to managing cases successfully. 

• Adaptability – The legal sector is constantly evolving whether that be from regulatory changes to new technologies. Lawyers need to be adaptable and open to learning throughout their careers. 

• Resilience – Legal work can be demanding, particularly when dealing with complex or emotionally sensitive cases. The ability to remain focused, manage pressure, and continue delivering high-quality work is an important professional skill. 

Technology and innovation in modern law firms 

The discussion also touched on how the legal profession is evolving and firms such as Fletchers Solicitors are increasingly embracing technology to improve how legal services are delivered. From case management systems to the use of AI tools, technology is helping firms handle large volumes of information more efficiently and provide better support to clients. For aspiring lawyers, this means that developing digital confidence alongside legal knowledge is becoming increasingly valuable. 

Supporting future legal professionals 

Events like this Q&A provide a valuable opportunity for aspiring lawyers to hear directly from experienced practitioners about what working in law is really like. 

We work closely with both individuals and law firms to support flexible training routes into the legal profession. Whether you are a law student, graduate, or career changer, gaining practical insight into the profession can help you better understand the skills and experience needed to succeed. 

By combining professional training with real-world experience, aspiring legal professionals can build the knowledge, confidence, and practical skills required to progress towards qualification. 

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