Employability Tips from a Global Managing Partner

1. Be authentic — but within limits.

While staying authentic and true to your values is essential, being entirely unfiltered may not always be ideal in a professional setting.

Reflecting on my early days as a trainee solicitor, I realise that if I had walked into the office and been completely myself from day one, it might not have worked out well for my career.

I found it helpful to “keep the handbrake slightly on.” Over time, you’ll naturally discover who you feel comfortable enough with to share a more unfiltered version of yourself.

2. Try to make your supervisors’ lives as easy as possible.

When you’re just starting out, it’s easy to overlook the pressures and challenges your supervisors are juggling—after all, you haven’t walked in their shoes yet.

A key goal should be to proactively support them in ways that help their day run more smoothly.

For instance, before an upcoming meeting, take the initiative to check if any documents need preparing, offer to greet the client at reception, or ask if there’s anything else you can assist with.

Small, thoughtful actions like these not only ease their workload but also show that you’re reliable, attentive, and considerate of the bigger picture.

3. Build a reputation for consistency.

Being consistent is one of the most valuable traits you can cultivate in your professional life. By attending meetings on time, delivering work as promised, and meeting deadlines, you’ll establish yourself as someone others can rely on.

Colleagues and supervisors value knowing they can count on someone to follow through and deliver as expected. That’s the kind of reputation you should strive to build—one that sets you apart as trustworthy and dependable.

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15 December 1974 — Motorways Traffic (Speed Limit) Regulations 1974 came into effect. It established new speed limits, 70mph on motorways, 60mph on dual carriageways and 50mph on all other roads.

16 December 1689 — Bill of Rights given Royal Assent. It placed limitations on the Monarch’s power, affirmed several rights for the subjects and emphasised the importance of free elections for Parliament members.

17 December 1903 — The Wright Brothers made the first successful sustained flight in an airplane. As a result, several years later, the Air Navigation Act 1920 was passed, which gave the British government the authority to control air navigation.

18 December 1998 — The Scotland Act 1998 came into effect. It established the Scottish Parliament, how Scotland was governed and represented a substantial devolution of powers from the UK Parliament.

19 December 1984 — Britain and China signed an agreement in Beijing, in which Britain agreed to transfer full sovereignty of Hong Kong to China in 1997.

20 December 2018 — Civil Liablity Act 2018 came into effect. It made provisions about whiplash claims and the personal injury discount rate.

21 December 1880 — Isle of Man became the first to allow women to vote, provided they were widows or spinsters(unmarried) with a property rated annually at £4 or over. They voted the following April.

Tuesday, December 17

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