Leadership: view from Paralegals

Leadership

Leadership: view from Paralegals

The Quick Read

Paralegals are often brought in for specific projects but the variety in leadership styles was a clear issue for many. The more the paralegal feels part of the team and is brought on board by the leader, the more motivated they are and the more they are able to contribute. As business and technology develops involving new people often results in startling new perspectives.

Paralegals reported demonstrating leadership by spotting ways in which the firm could develop (often technology or resource gaps). Initiative and having a wider view are fundamental leadership skills. Two paralegals who have shown this initiative by setting up networks give their views below.

Lotus Kimona

Founder of T.P.N – The Paralegal Network

Lotus Kimona

What do you value as leadership skills?

Integrity, humility and correction (flexibility to respond to ideas). Someone who acts with integrity in what they do as well as expecting you to do the same. I believe a leader is humble, recognising their mistakes and owning up to it when it happens and being able to admit when they are wrong. Also, recognising that their way may not be the best way! Finally, someone who can take constructive suggestions and give constructive suggestions in a respectful manner, bringing solutions and encouragement to team members.

How are these skills nurtured / developed in staff?

There are skills that can be developed in staff with the right policies in place and the right people in management positions. Management that can recognise the needs for each individual and can make decisions fitting for everyone. Allowing staff to grow and opening doors for opportunity within the workplace. Giving them responsibility to showcase their potential and work ethic.

Do you think that the leadership skills valued by senior and junior staff are aligned?

This depends on the company. From my experience, some are aligned and some are not.

Has the perception of leadership changed due to the pandemic (or during the recent past even if not related to the pandemic)?

Yes, due to people working from home and being out of the office environment. If no proper measurements were put in place, then there is less support from management. Especially for those who had started training contracts and were being supervised over the phone or not much at all. ■

Mine Toufeq

Co-founder of Legal Jargon, Deputy Chair of Association of Women Solicitors (London)

Mine Toufeq

What do you value as leadership skills?

■ Respect i.e. self-respect and respecting others regardless of differences.

■ treating others with dignity, empathy and compassion.

■ Having a vision that will make a change, be achievable and is considerate of the wellbeing of the people they work with.

■ Passion for their role and team.

■ Diversity.

■ Ability to influence and motivate themselves and their team.

■ Transparency and honesty.

How are these skills nurtured / developed in staff?

■ Training leaders on the values and importance of the wellbeing of their staff.

■ Listening to concerns and ideas of everyone regardless of the hierarchy.

■ Encouraging staff to bring ideas to the table and implementing them.

■ Being honest and giving constructive criticism.

■ Valuing the team for the strengths and ideas not individual backgrounds.

■ Implementing policies to make the workplace friendly enough for everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Do you think that the leadership skills valued by senior and junior staff are aligned?

Yes.

Has the perception of leadership changed due to the pandemic (or during the recent past even if not related to the pandemic)?

Yes. I believe what we expect from leadership has changed. A leader is now someone who is flexible and emotionally more intune with their staff. A leader is not just required to supervise or set tasks but to come up with more creative ways of working and accommodating staff needs. ■