Mila Trezza

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Articles

Can lawyers make great leaders?

Jun 26, 2024 | legalbizworld.com | Mila Trezza

By Mila Trezza.The idea that lawyers often make bad managers is a recurring theme in numerous blog posts and articles. Why do many highly capable in-house lawyers struggle as leaders upon promotion to managerial positions? Can lawyers lead? Drawing on the countless conversations I have had with lawyers over the last thirty years, starting from their rationale and motivation behind choosing a career in law, here is what I have learned.
How to deal with rejection as a lawyer

Jun 12, 2024 | lawsociety.org.uk | Daniel Peacock |Donna Smith |Mila Trezza |Donna Smith Founder

Daniel Peacock, solicitor and immediate past chair of the Law Society's Junior Solicitors Network and the Junior Lawyers DivisionI’ve been rejected for many roles and made many mistakes. It moulded me into the person that I am: I will adapt and overcome. It's a key aspect of being a junior lawyer. Dealing with feedback can be very hard. I’m quite a ‘personal’ person – so I take everything personally. But I’ve learned over time not to take things to heart as much as I did.
Decoding Confidence: The Five Building Blocks

Apr 8, 2024 | legalbusinessworld.com | Mila Trezza

By Mila Trezza.Confidence is often perceived as an inherent aspect of one’s character—a quality some naturally possess effortlessly while others just lack. This perception can be further reinforced by believing that once acquired, confidence is a permanent state that shines in all situations and at all times. However, confidence is far from innate; rather, it evolves through a journey of knowledge, education and deliberate practice.
Maximising impact: how can in-house lawyers raise their internal profile?

Mar 5, 2024 | lawsociety.org.uk | Mila Trezza

Not every business person fully understands the role and contributions of in-house lawyers. Various reasons may contribute to this. Some colleagues may have gained little experience working with legal teams, a surprising fact despite their seniority in the organisation. Others might hold unsatisfactory perceptions due to past interactions with lawyers.
Multiple reporting lines: how to manage those who manage you

Feb 5, 2024 | lawsociety.org.uk | Mila Trezza

Whether reporting to a senior executive and the group general counsel or a maze of geographical, functional and hierarchical reports, the complexity of solid and dotted lines can get complicated. The confusion over accountability – or even competition over loyalty – resulting from multiple reporting lines often originates from a common problem: if your managers don’t talk (much), they both see you as 100% theirs. When both vie for your time, you may end up juggling two full-time jobs.
Three strategies to make your in-house legal talent stay

Sep 25, 2023 | lawsociety.org.uk | Mila Trezza

Individuals with unique talents can profoundly impact the organisations they work for. The most effective in-house lawyers can play a vital role in getting complex deals done. They can lead on the understanding and mitigation of big risks. They can offer compelling perspectives to decision-makers that significantly impact business and people alike.
Are we hiring a good team player for our in-house team? 8 interview questions to find out

Jun 28, 2023 | lawsociety.org.uk | Mila Trezza

Too often, we find out whether our new member’s teamwork skills are compatible with our team only after they have joined us. Indeed, traditional selection processes focus on relevant work experience, industry sector competence, client skills, and drivers to move in-house if the candidate’s background is from private practice. If great teamwork is what we know we need, how to determine whether our candidate’s teamwork style is a good match for your team?
All you need is your people: running a legal department on a low budget

Jun 9, 2023 | lawsociety.org.uk | Mila Trezza

When your budget is constrained, it’s time to take a deeper look into your priorities, identify cases for real savings (not false economies), team up with other departments, and look more strategically at your internal resources. So, how can you achieve more with less? 1. Make strategic choicesWhen your budget is constrained, it’s time to strip away anything that is not essential.
Difficult clients: three strategies for handling tough personalities

Apr 21, 2023 | lawsociety.org.uk | Mila Trezza

Dealing with difficult internal clients can bring a great deal of stress to our work. Let’s say it: it is hard. Many in-house lawyers receive limited training for developing strong people skills and navigating conflict in the workplace. Difficult personalities, however, offer many opportunities for building emotional agility and contributing to your personal and professional growth.