5 questions with Harvey Kaye

This week we try something new. As aspiring solicitors what are the skills needed to be successful. We ask Harvey Kaye 5 questions.

Question 1

What specific legal skills do you find most crucial in your day-to-day work as general counsel that would also be valuable for a newly qualified solicitor?

Emotional intelligence. Being able to read a situation and read people to assess the right course of action. For example, your method or style of communication and when to lead the conversation versus sit back and listen. 

Question 2

Can you describe a typical negotiation scenario you encounter and the skills required to handle it effectively?

Typically, I find myself negotiating big points in commercial agreements. It can be easy to get lost in the win vs lose mentality but I don’t really see it like that. Let’s allocate risk sensibly and pragmatically rather than trying to one up each other. 

Question 3

How do you approach building and maintaining client relationships in your role, and how important are these skills for new solicitors?

Hugely important. I try to maintain touchpoints – little and often. For example, trying to connect them with other interesting people in my network, sending them articles I come across which I think may be of interest. It’s so important to maintain these touchpoints and show that you are a trusted business adviser and not just “the lawyer”.

Question 4

What advice would you give for developing strong drafting skills, especially for legal documents such as commercial contracts?

If you’re ever struggling to draft a clause, say aloud what it is that you’re trying to draft and then write it down. It sounds silly but you’ll be amazed how effective it can be. 

Question 5

What advice would you give to an aspiring solicitor about developing business awareness?

Be curious and don’t “stay in your lane”.

Thank you, Harvey