One of the biggest influences in the success of our careers is the relationships we have with our colleagues, HR managers and the partner/solicitor we directly report to. We all know if we have a strong working relationship we tend to work harder, produce superior work and will go the extra mile because we want to.

We all like to get up in the morning and enjoy going to work and at the end of the day leaving with a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. This comes not only from the work that you do such as being challenged or being kept busy, but more importantly from people and relationships within that working situation.

A strong working relationship is like a marriage - continually needing work and understanding.  It is quite easy to lay the blame on others for a working relationship that is strained and difficult but isn’t it about taking ownership? After all YOU make up half of that relationship.

Here are some ideas on building stronger relationships with the people we work with:

1. Be precise about expectations
2. Be consistent in your actions
3. Be able to praise
4. Take criticism and learn from it (can be a great learning tool)
5. Recognize stress levels and act accordingly
6. Treat others with respect and how you would wish to be treated
 

Alison Frith gave birth to a gorgeous little boy - James William Michael Frith on April 9, 2010. Both Alison and James are doing very well.
 

For those of you who love 'deals' go to www.1-day.co.nz

Lawyer: I show you Exhibit 2 and ask you if you recognize that picture.
Witness: That's me.
Lawyer: Were you present when that picture was taken?

Lawyer: Can you describe the individual?
Witness: He was tall and had a beard.
Lawyer: Was this a male or female?

Did you know that we have a Candidate Resources page on our website? There you will find tips on CV's, interview tips and more. Go to our website www.legalpersonnel.co.nz/candidateresources

Shelley Lomas of Martelli McKegg Wells & Cormack received a cooley bag of goodies courtesy of Legal Personnel by attending the RAMS evening on April 29, 2010.

PA/Legal Secretary - Auckland
Fantastic opportunity to join this top tier firm as a PA supporting a partner and their team. Preferably you'll have litigation or resource management experience, be used to supporting multiple authors and incredibly organized and efficient. Varied role with a high amount of administrative support - don't just be a typist! Minimum three years as a legal secretary / PA required in return for excellent remuneration and benefits.
KZ4416 (katharine.ziebart@legalpersonnel.co.nz)

Legal Executive/Legal Secretary - Auckland
A boutique firm in fantastic new offices looking for a savvy LE/LS to join their team. You will be running your own files and being able to hit the ground running is important. The work ranges from mortgagee sale. gifting, conveyancing, development work to PPSR. You will be supporting a partner helping out with his typing, bills etc. Great role that will allow you to really get stuck in and take ownership.
EB4413 (elizabeth.butler@legalpersonnel.co.nz)

Legal Secretary/PA Litigation - Auckland
This is a fascinating role that would both challenge and reward. Supporting a busy Associate the role calls for excellent IT skills, being able to use your initiative and the ability to think smart and act quickly. It not a requirement that you have a litigation background - if you are a top notch Secretary/PA looking for a great firm to work for and an interesting role that you can really get your teeth into this could be the role for you.
EB4420 (elizabeth.butler@legalpersonnel.co.nz)

Legal Secretaries - Contract and Temporary
We are always looking out for experienced Legal Secretaries to fill contract and temporary roles. If you want to be kept in the loop with the market, potential employment or career options we are interested in hearing from you. Email Elizabeth at elizabeth.butler@legalpersonnel.co.nz.

Solicitor - Family - South Auckland
If it is career progression you are looking for this role ticks all the boxes. An opportunity to move into partnership is very real. The work is made up of 70% legal aid the other 30% matrimonial property. The firm is ideally looking for a candidate with Lead Provider status that is court proficient and confident.
EB4414 (elizabeth.butler@legalpersonnel.co.nz)

Solicitor - Commercial - North Shore Auckland
Fantastic firm has a great opportunity for a solicitor with at least four years pqe+ who can be trained into the role. Ideally you will have experience in a range of commercial including franchising, IP & license agreements, private client and property work including leasing. With plenty of scope to get involved with clients, develop relationships and work with a talented team there is a strong future here for you. Don't delay in contacting Judith today.
JE4417 (judith.eller@legalpersonnel.co.nz)

Solicitor - Senior transitioning to Partner - Ponsonby
It is time for the property partner to step back and to grow a new partner over the next two-three years to take over. With three - five years experience behind you this role would set you up with a clear path to partnership assured. It is best described as a semi informal environment where you are left to get on with what you have to do and enjoy a collegial environment with colleagues on a regular basis.
JE4207 (judith.eller@legalpersonnel.co.nz)

Solicitor - Commercial/Property and Private Client - Manukau
A firm of everyday people working with their clients, getting to know them, delivering quality work and building long term relationships. You will get involved in company work including company structuring, sale and purchase and advisory work. On the property side there will be commercial leases, subdivisions, sale and purchase and trusts. Ideally you will have a minimum of four to five years experience in commercial and commercial property. You will be looking to build a practice and moving towards partnership.
JE4300 (judith.eller@legalpersonnel.co.nz)

Solicitor - Commercial - North Shore Auckland
Working with a busy partner this is a role loaded with opportunity. Ideally this boutique firm is looking for a solicitor four to five years PQE with career progression in mind. There is plenty of work so it is not necessary to bring a client base. What is essential is the confidence, drive and determination to be successful in what you do.
EB4408 (elizabeth.butler@legalpersonnel.co.nz)