Minter Ellison partner Adrian Rich knows well what it takes to succeed in the law. As a specialist property lawyer, he regularly works with institutional property owners, developers and major international investors to get deals done. 

Insights spoke to Adrian about what advice he has for lawyers looking to thrive in a profession known for its competitiveness, and increasingly disrupted by technology. 

A good lawyer is more than a high IQ

“Being smart is good, but in an Australian legal market that has become increasingly saturated and competitive in recent years, IQ alone does not make you a great lawyer,” said Adrian. “Instead, being acutely self-aware of your overall strengths and weaknesses (both professionally and personally) and leveraging those to your advantage, is the key to success. Harnessing that mentality from an early stage is something that I personally regard as one of the key, yet underrated, tools to forging a successful career in the law.”

The quickening pace of technological change is starting to significantly impact the profession.

“The pace of technological advancement, and the extent to which it is expediting legal transactions, is quite astonishing,” Adrian said. “Aside from the ever-present commercial pressures to negotiate and close a transaction, the availability of tech tools to fast-track a deal – with minimal impact on legal risk – is remarkable. It is imperative that all lawyers are aware of these tools and able to use them. In my opinion, this is very much a ‘price to play’ in today’s profession. Without it, you’re at a significant disadvantage, no matter how long you’ve been in the law.”

Maintaining attention to detail in an age of speed

“One of the fantastic, yet often practically limiting, characteristics of lawyers is an unhealthy attention to detail – often colloquially known as ‘OCD.’” 

Lawyers are under increasing pressure from clients to turnaround work faster, and at lower costs.

“The market is becoming increasingly frenetic,” said Adrian. “The stark reality for lawyers is that a successful career in a major commercial law firm is made by producing timely, pragmatic, commercial and succinct advice rather than one that is long-winded and technically flawless, and may not even actually answer the question that was asked in the first place. The latter may satisfy (and even flatter) the inner law-geek in us all, but it doesn’t always make the client happy – and it almost always doesn’t ensure they pay the bills we send them for that advice!”

Culture comes from the top

Firms which prioritise a positive high performance culture are the firms likely to stay competitive.

“There is no doubt in my mind that culture and management style is, when done well, a significant competitive advantage,” Adrian said. 

Ensuring mental wellbeing and wellness is maintained is essential, especially for lawyers in major firms.

“The reality is that this is a style that must come ‘from the top down’ within each firm, and across the profession more generally,” Adrian said. “I’m really proud that as a MinterEllison partner, I’m able to contribute to that ‘top down’ approach to create a style and culture within the firm and also my own team that not only engenders a strong work ethic, but encourages those who have a strong sense of mental wellbeing – and who look out for (and after) their fellow colleagues.”

Build resilience, maintain perspective and a sense of humour

“Practising law is hard. Full stop. Accept you’ll have some bad days,” said Adrian. “Also look forward to the many great and career-satisfying days you’ll also have – whether that is being admitted to practice, closing your first deal or winning your first case.”

Keeping work in perspective is just as important.

“What lawyers are asked to do on a daily basis is often stressful and time-pressured,” said Adrian. “But we’re not brain surgeons. I’ve rarely experienced issues that can’t be resolved with minimal heartache, although admittedly it doesn’t always feel like that at the time!”

With perspective comes humour.

“Remember to laugh at your mistakes, triumphs, and quirks of everyday life in the law,” advised Adrian. “Trust me, there’s plenty of material! Do so with your fellow colleagues. We all spend too long in our offices not to cultivate authentic and enduring relationships with those who we (often unwittingly) spend an awful amount of time with – and humour is one of the best ways of doing that.”

It’s clear Adrian loves his work.

“As a transactional property lawyer, I unashamedly love doing deals,” said Adrian. “I also enjoy interacting with clients and developing a rapport with them. In my opinion, this is integral to a long, fulfilling and sustainable practice of the law. I also enjoy leading and collaborating with a team of highly talented and motivated individuals who collectively contribute to the success of the practice and the firm more generally. They really are like family to me.”