How to train your lawyer (or rather, how to get the best from your lawyer)

At Jurit, we believe that great legal advice is built on more than technical expertise. It starts with understanding our clients, their objectives and the relationships that enable us to work together effectively.

This year we welcomed work experience student, Iris Khwaja, into the firm to give her an insight into life as a lawyer.

In this article, she reflects on some of the things that surprised her most throughout her time with us. As someone seeing the profession through fresh eyes, her observations offer an interesting reminder that the best legal outcomes are often achieved when lawyers and clients work together as partners.

When I first arrived at Jurit for my work experience placement, I assumed being a lawyer was mainly about knowing the law and giving advice.

After spending time with Senior Partner, Robert Marcus, however, I realised there is much more to it than that.

One thing that stood out to me was how much successful legal advice depends on the relationship between lawyer and client. The law is obviously important, but so too are communication, trust and a shared understanding of what everyone is trying to achieve.

During my placement, I noticed a number of themes that seemed to make a real difference to how smoothly matters progressed and how effectively lawyers could support their clients.

It all starts with good information

The clearer the information a client can provide at the outset, the easier it is for a lawyer to understand the situation and advise on the best way forward. That doesn’t mean clients need to know what is legally important, that’s the lawyer’s job, but providing as much background as possible gives them the strongest starting point.

I was also surprised by how often details that initially seemed insignificant later became relevant. Being open and transparent, even about information you think may not matter, allows your lawyer to provide advice based on the fullest possible picture.

Documents matter more than you might think

Contracts, emails, financial records, photographs and other documents often help tell the full story. Providing relevant documents early can save time, avoid unnecessary delays and help your lawyer develop the right strategy from the beginning.

Communication is a two-way process

One of the biggest lessons I learned was that good communication benefits everyone.

Clients who explained what they hoped to achieve enabled their lawyers to tailor advice to their objectives. Equally, lawyers helped clients understand what was realistic, explained the legal process in plain English and managed expectations where timescales depended on courts, regulators or other third parties.

I also noticed how helpful it was to agree early on how and when updates would be provided. Something as simple as agreeing preferred methods of communication can help avoid misunderstandings and make the process feel more straightforward.

Asking questions is encouraged

Legal matters can often feel unfamiliar or overwhelming, particularly for people who haven’t needed legal advice before.

One thing that impressed me during my placement was that lawyers genuinely wanted clients to understand what was happening. Asking questions wasn’t seen as a nuisance, rather, it was an important part of helping clients make informed decisions with confidence.

The best advice isn’t always the easiest to hear

Lawyers are there to provide objective advice, not simply confirm what a client hopes will happen.

Sometimes that means discussing risks, explaining limitations or recommending a different approach from the one originally envisaged. I realised that keeping an open mind allows for more productive conversations and often leads to better long-term outcomes.

Shared expectations lead to better outcomes

Throughout my placement, I saw how important mutual trust and respect are.

Lawyers rely on clients to keep them informed if circumstances change, to provide documents when requested and to raise any concerns early if something isn’t clear. In return, clients should expect their lawyers to communicate openly, explain complex issues clearly and guide them through what can often be difficult or stressful situations.

Where there are several people involved in making decisions, having a single point of contact can also help keep communication clear and avoid conflicting instructions.

Technology is a useful tool but not a replacement for legal judgement

Like many professions, the legal sector is embracing technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), to improve efficiency in certain areas of work.

However, one of the things I observed is that technology cannot replace professional judgement, experience or the ability to understand the wider context of a client’s circumstances. Legal advice is rarely about finding a simple answer. It seems to me that it’s about applying the law to real-life situations.

I also learned that clients should be cautious about entering confidential information or case details into publicly available AI tools. Depending on the platform used, this may create confidentiality or legal privilege issues, so it’s always safer to discuss sensitive information directly with your legal adviser.

The client-lawyer relationship is a partnership

Perhaps the biggest lesson I will take away from my time at Jurit is that great legal advice is built on partnership.

Lawyers bring legal expertise, technical knowledge and experience. Clients bring the facts, the context and the objectives that shape every matter. When both sides communicate openly, trust one another and work collaboratively, the process becomes more effective, and ultimately more likely to achieve the best possible outcome.

Before my placement, I thought lawyers simply solved legal problems. I will leave it with a much greater appreciation that they also build relationships, guide clients through complex decisions and work alongside them every step of the way.

Robert Marcus, Senior Partner at Jurit LLP, concluded:

“One of the most rewarding aspects of welcoming students into the firm is seeing how quickly they begin to appreciate what practising law is really about. Technical knowledge is, of course, fundamental, but the very best lawyers also build trust, communicate clearly and develop lasting relationships with their clients.

“Iris has captured that brilliantly. Her reflections demonstrate maturity, curiosity and an understanding that great legal advice is built on partnership. Those qualities are every bit as important as academic ability, and they suggest she has all the attributes needed to enjoy a successful career in the legal profession. We wish her every success for the future.”