Trainees bring the modern touch

Firms ignoring technology may breed discontent among a generation of trainees who want to use their IT skills in practice, writes Scott Pearman

Trainee solicitors have always been vital for any progressive law firm to ensure its continuity and growth, but now they are in a position to bring even more to the party.While many lawyers who have been in practice for a number of years are still on a steep learning curve in relation to new technology, trainees generally have first-class IT skills.

They are also quick to build on those skills.

Not only do they want to put this expertise into practice, but they could lose out on their advantage if they are not permitted to do so.Of course, it is difficult for lawyers already in practice and who have developed and succeeded with particular research skills to change their ways even if new and more efficient means are available.

Undoubtedly they will have to change their approach, but someone who has only known the new ways will find it much easier.A good example is research.

Most trainees will have learned how to carry out legal research on-line while at university and law school.

It is likely that they will want to carry out research on the Internet.

It is right to encourage them to develop additional research skills by reference to printed materials.

However, to force research to be by printed matter alone - whether actively or passively by denial of the on-line resource - would be to compel adherence to old methods when newer, more efficient, means are available.

If used properly, new research methods should prove quicker and more comprehensive.Failure to implement an improved way of working would breed discontent and firms adopting this approach will be increasingly uncompetitive over time.The ability to research using a computer will be more important once a firm establishes a properly functioning know-how database.

Not merely a precedent bank but a way of accessing guidance notes, letters of advice, counsel's opinions and other know-how the firm has built up over the years.

While not a substitute for experience, a know-how database should provide the most junior user with the same legal research resource as the most senior user.

So long as the system is properly set up and maintained (which is likely to require the involvement of practice support lawyers) the key to maximising the benefits will be in the approach taken by the user.

That approach must be one which combines confidence and skill.

This may not come easily to the lawyer who has only relied on books.

However, it is something which should come naturally to the trainee who has taken this approach from the start.To remain competitive, not only is it important to make sure work is carried out efficiently, but also that it is carried out at the right level.

During the training contract, given appropriate supervision, trainees can work on more straightforward files themselves and act as valuable team members on larger projects.

Partners and senior assistants may need training in delegation skills but letting the work flow down increases the time available for other tasks.

Provided those other tasks are well performed, the business should grow leading to more work and giving rise to a virtuous circle.

Also, given the market for external recruitment, having an appropriate number of trainee solicitors will create a skilled pool of future assistants and, in due course, partners.It is important for firms to realise the increased importance of the resource provided by trainee solicitors and also the IT skills and modern approach which they bring.Any firm that has the insight to bring together the resource and skills and is far sighted enough to commit to the investment required to keep the IT systems up to date will reap exponential benefits from its trainees both during their training contracts and in the future.Their careers will likewise be boosted - and a position at the competitive edge of the profession should be maintained.Scott Pearman is a partner and the training principal at City firm Richards Butler