As a firm and as colleagues we are as committed to each other’s journey as to our own, and we want to make sure that each colleague has all the tools that you need to climb the mountain that is your legal career following qualification.
The expedition starts at The Base on legal qualification and continues on a path right up to The Peak with other viewpoints from the mountain in between, as and when you are exposed to different legal experiences.
To progress from one stage to another, you must demonstrate different levels of knowledge, skill and practice over the following categories (if you click on each category, it will pull out the requirements from each stage!):
An assessment of each of the categories will take place on 1 June each year and will be reviewed against your personal development plan that will have been agreed 12 months before the assessment.
If requirements for the next stage have been achieved, then a new personal development plan will be agreed for the forthcoming 12 months and you will move forward in your journey.
Ready to start the climb up that legal mountain? Get your hiking boots on and let’s go!
04 | THE PEAK
Salary - £75,000 per annum
You are on the last stretch before you reach The Peak of the mountain – here is what you need to achieve to get to the flag:
Pre-requisites
Achieved all Stage 3 categories with documented examples.
Financials
Billing 1,000 hours per year (annualised basis).
No padding or slow-pedalling.
Relationships
First contact point for 4 retainer clients and at least 5 corporate clients.
Well known by other contact points and clients.
Strong (weekly comms) contact points in 3 professional organisations, reasonable contact points in 4 others.
Networking channels (e.g. membership and attendance at events) established.
Obtained at least one new client from own networking activity.
Knowledge
Comprehensive knowledge of fundamentals of corporate law together with comprehensive knowledge of one specialist area of law.
Recognises where changes in law may require amendments to precedents and/or updates to clients and takes appropriate action.
Actively seeks to publish ideas via Linked In and other professional forums.
Demonstrates the ability to communicate complex ideas.
Information Systems
Power user (clip training level) in all O365 apps plus firm leader in one application.
Understanding of horizon tech such as blockchain.
Presence
Demonstrates sufficient “presence” (further detail to be discussed but focused on authority, weight, gravitas).
Actively sought out by senior colleagues for advice and assistance.
Culture
Champion of Culture, applying the Culture in day-to-day actions and tasks and encouraging other members of the team to follow suit.
Training and Leadership
Delegates work to more junior colleagues and supervises and manages their performance.
Successfully implements knowledge sharing initiatives with the team (and client base where appropriate).
Prepares and delivers training seminars for team and clients.
Completed Management Course Stage 1 (or equivalent that satisfies requirements under rule 12 SRA Practice Framework Rules 2011 (qualified to supervise)).
Attended one other external training event in area of specialism.
Role in Internal Initiatives
Owner of one major initiative.
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Apex 4 – The Peak
Salary - £75,000 per annum
You are on the last stretch before you reach The Peak of the mountain – here is what you need to achieve to get to the flag:
Pre-requisites
• Achieved all Stage 3 categories with documented examples.
Financials
• Billing 1,000 hours per year (annualised basis).
• No padding or slow-pedalling.
Relationships
• First contact point for 4 retainer clients and at least 5 corporate clients.
• Well known by other contact points and clients.
• Strong (weekly comms) contact points in 3 professional organisations, reasonable contact points in 4 others.
• Networking channels (e.g. membership and attendance at events) established.
• Obtained at least one new client from own networking activity.
Knowledge
• Comprehensive knowledge of fundamentals of corporate law together with comprehensive knowledge of one specialist area of law.
• Recognises where changes in law may require amendments to precedents and/or updates to clients and takes appropriate action.
• Actively seeks to publish ideas via Linked In and other professional forums.
• Demonstrates the ability to communicate complex ideas.
Information Systems
• Power user (clip training level) in all O365 apps plus firm leader in one application.
• Understanding of horizon tech such as blockchain.
Presence
• Demonstrates sufficient “presence” (further detail to be discussed but focused on authority, weight, gravitas).
• Actively sought out by senior colleagues for advice and assistance.
Culture
• Champion of Culture, applying the Culture in day-to-day actions and tasks and encouraging other members of the team to follow suit.
Training and Leadership
• Delegates work to more junior colleagues and supervises and manages their performance.
• Successfully implements knowledge sharing initiatives with the team (and client base where appropriate).
• Prepares and delivers training seminars for team and clients.
• Completed Management Course Stage 1 (or equivalent that satisfies requirements under rule 12 SRA Practice Framework Rules 2011 (qualified to supervise)).
• Attended one other external training event in area of specialism.
Role in Internal Initiatives
• Owner of one major initiative.
03 | THE SNOW LINE
Salary - £55,000 per annum
You are high above the treetops and can see snow in the distance – next stop, The Snow Line! Here is what you need to achieve to get to that new viewpoint:
Category
Indicative skill level.
Pre-requisites
Achieved all Stage 2 categories with documented examples.
Financials
Billing 1,000 hours per year (annualised basis).
No padding or slow-pedalling.
Effectively managing billing process for at least 2 clients.
Sets a good example of time recording.
Relationships
First contact point for 2 retainer clients and at least 2 corporate clients.
Well known by other contact points and clients.
Strong (weekly comms) contact points in 2 professional organisations, reasonable contact points in 2 others.
Networking channels (e.g. membership and attendance at events) becoming established.
Knowledge
Participates in the preparation of knowledge updates and seminars for clients.
Use client relationships to spot new opportunities.
Seeks feedback from senior team members and reflects on feedback to further improve performance.
Starts to develop a specialism based on acquiring more detailed knowledge.
Taken ownership of at least 6 precedents in the Almond + Co databank from creation to updating/reviewing.
Information Systems
Power user (clip training level) in all O365 apps plus identification and early stages of which application to be firm leader.
Presence
Demonstrates sufficient “presence” (further detail to be discussed but focused on authority, weight, gravitas).
Training and Leadership
Identifies major sources of legal precedents for practice area.
Understands the context of the advice being given.
Applies legal precedents to specific client situations without needing guidance.
Identified and attended at least one relevant external training course and disseminated knowledge to the team.
Role in Internal Initiatives
Sufficient support role in initiatives.
V
04 | THE PEAK
Salary - £75,000 per annum
You are on the last stretch before you reach The Peak of the mountain – here is what you need to achieve to get to the flag:
Pre-requisites
Achieved allStage 3 categories with documented examples.
Financials
Billing 1,000 hours per year (annualised basis).
No padding or slow-pedalling.
Relationships
First contact point for 4 retainer clients and at least 5 corporate clients.
Well known by other contact points and clients.
Strong (weekly comms) contact points in 3 professional organisations, reasonable contact points in 4 others.
Networking channels (e.g. membership and attendance at events) established.
Obtained at least one new client from own networking activity.
Knowledge
Comprehensive knowledge of fundamentals of corporate law together with comprehensive knowledge of one specialist area of law.
Recognises where changes in law may require amendments to precedents and/or updates to clients and takes appropriate action.
Actively seeks to publish ideas via Linked In and other professional forums.
Demonstrates the ability to communicate complex ideas.
Information Systems
Power user (clip training level) in all O365 apps plus firm leader in one application.
Understanding of horizon tech such as blockchain.
Presence
Demonstrates sufficient “presence” (further detail to be discussed but focused on authority, weight, gravitas).
Actively sought out by senior colleagues for advice and assistance.
Culture
Champion of Culture, applying the Culture in day-to-day actions and tasks and encouraging other members of the team to follow suit.
Training and Leadership
Delegates work to more junior colleagues and supervises and manages their performance.
Successfully implements knowledge sharing initiatives with the team (and client base where appropriate).
Prepares and delivers training seminars for team and clients.
Completed Management Course Stage 1 (or equivalent that satisfies requirements under rule 12 SRA Practice Framework Rules 2011 (qualified to supervise)).
Attended one other external training event in area of specialism.
Role in Internal Initiatives
Owner of one major initiative.
02 | THE TREE LINE
Salary - £40,000 per annum
You are now on your path and above The Base – next stop, The Tree Line! Here is what you need to achieve to see that view above the trees:
Category
Stage 2 will be awarded when you can demonstrate sufficient abilities, calm and focus to plan towards achieving the other Stages.
Pre-requisites
Achieved all Stage 1 categories (with documented examples).
Agreed a plan to achieve Stage 3 within 18 months
Financials
Consistently meets hours/billing targets.
Proactively seeks out work to ensure they are fully utilised and meeting targets.
Relationships
Builds knowledge of key clients and their business sectors.
Seeks to build and develop rapport with clients.
Investigates client issues around current issues/relevant matters.
Further develops Linked In profile/beginning to build an appropriate network.
Shows awareness of how to develop new business opportunities.
Knowledge
Applies legal precedents to specific client situations.
Ability to interpret and solve client problems using research and reviewing primary legislation (such as CA 2006, SBEEA etc.)
Expands knowledge of company types, structures and main characteristics and become familiar with standard form articles of association and standard form shareholders agreement.
Training and Leadership
Delivered training to the team on a current issue (and developed appropriate/relevant client facing outcome after training).
Develops precedents for Almond + Co precedent bank.
Analysed main legal and commercial issues in an Almond + Co document.
Demonstrates good organisation of workload/systematic approach to working (e.g. use of day book) and proactively managing workload.
Researching a new topic and disseminate new knowledge to the team.
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01 | THE BASE
Salary - £35,000 per annum
This is where your ascent begins!
Category
Newly Qualified
Financials
Records time and billing narratives in an appropriate manner.
Demonstrates good understanding of chargeable time and the importance of closing-down time promptly and billing on time.
Relationships
Attends client meetings, takes notes and assists on work as allocated by the team.
Create and develop Linked In network (and other networking where applicable).
Knowledge
Demonstrates attention to detail and accuracy in all work.
Drafts and prepares simple documents based on precedents.
Presents work in most appropriate format.
Training and Leadership
Asks for advice from team as to how to develop role.
Contributes to L&D meetings/attends all training available.
Supports team projects including taking ownership of precedents as allocated.
V
04 | THE PEAK
(Power user (clip training level)) in all O365 apps plus firm leader in one application
Understanding of horizon tech such as blockchain.
03 | THE SNOW LINE
(Power user (clip training level)) in all O365 apps plus identification and early stages of which application to be firm leader.
02 | THE TREE LINE
Not applicable.
01 | THE BASE
Not applicable.
04 | THE PEAK
Delegates work to more junior colleagues and supervises and manages their performance.
Successfully implements knowledge sharing initiatives with the team (and client base where appropriate).
Prepares and delivers training seminars for team and clients.
Completed Management Course Stage 1 (or equivalent that satisfies requirements under rule 12 SRA Practice Framework Rules 2011 (qualified to supervise)).
Attended one other external training event in area of specialism.
03 | THE SNOW LINE
Identifies major sources of legal precedents for practice area.
Understands the context of the advice being given.
Applies legal precedents to specific client situations without needing guidance.
Identified and attended at least one relevant external training course and disseminated knowledge to the team.
02 | THE TREE LINE
Delivered training to the team on a current issue (and developed appropriate/relevant client facing outcome after training).
Develop precedents for Almond +Co precedent bank.
Analysed main legal and commercial issues in an Almond + Co document.
Demonstrates good organisation of workload/systematic approach to working (e.g. use of day book) and proactively managing workload.
01 | THE BASE
Asks for advice from team as to how to develop role.
Contributes to L&D meetings/attends all training available.
Supports team projects including taking ownership of precedents as allocated.
04 | THE PEAK
Delegates work to more junior colleagues and supervises and manages their performance.
Successfully implements knowledge sharing initiatives with the team (and client base where appropriate).
Prepares and delivers training seminars for team and clients.
Completed Management Course Stage 1 (or equivalent that satisfies requirements under rule 12 SRA Practice Framework Rules 2011 (qualified to supervise)).
Attended one other external training event in area of specialism.
03 | THE SNOW LINE
Participates in the preparation of knowledge updates and seminars for clients.
Use client relationships to spot new opportunities.
Seeks feedback from senior team members and reflects on feedback to further improve performance.
02 | THE TREE LINE
Delivered training to the team on a current issue (and developed appropriate/relevant client facing outcome after training).
Develop precedents for Almond +Co precedent bank.
Analysed main legal and commercial issues in an Almond + Co document.
Demonstrates good organisation of workload/systematic approach to working (e.g. use of day book) and proactively managing workload.
Researching a new topic and disseminate new knowledge to the team.
01 | THE BASE
Delivered training to the team on a current issue (and developed appropriate/relevant client facing outcome after training).
Develop precedents for Almond +Co precedent bank.
Analysed main legal and commercial issues in an Almond + Co document.
Demonstrates good organisation of workload/systematic approach to working (e.g. use of day book) and proactively managing workload.
Researching a new topic and disseminate new knowledge to the team.
04 | THE PEAK
Comprehensive knowledge of fundamentals of corporate law together with comprehensive knowledge of one specialist area of law.
Recognises where changes in law may require amendments to precedents and/or updates to clients and takes appropriate action.
03 | THE SNOW LINE
Participates in the preparation of knowledge updates and seminars for clients.
Use client relationships to spot new opportunities.
Seeks feedback from senior team members and reflects on feedback to further improve performance.
02 | THE TREE LINE
Applies legal precedents to specific client situations.
Ability to interpret and solve client problems using research and reviewing primary legislation (such as CA 2006, SBEEA etc.)
Expand knowledge of company types, structures and main characteristics and become familiar with standard form articles of association and standard form shareholders agreement.
01 | THE BASE
Demonstrates attention to detail and accuracy in all work.
Drafts and prepares simple documents based on precedents.
Presents work in most appropriate format.
04 | THE PEAK
First contact point for 4 retainer clients and at least 5 corporate clients. Well known by other contact points and clients.
Strong (weekly comms) contact points in 3 professional organisations, reasonable contact points in 4 others.
03 | THE SNOW LINE
First contact point for 2 retainer clients and at least 2 corporate clients. Well known by other contact points and clients.
Strong (weekly comms) contact points in 2 professional organisations, reasonable contact
02 | THE TREE LINE
Builds knowledge of key clients and their business sectors. Seeks to build and develop rapport with clients.
Shows awareness of how to develop new business opportunities.
01 | THE BASE
Attends client meetings, takes notes and assists on work as allocated by Networking channels (e.g. membership and attendance at events) established.
Obtained at least one new client from own networking activity.
points in 2 others.
Networking channels (e.g. membership and attendance at events) becoming established.
Investigates client issues around current issues/relevant matters.
Further develops Linked In profile/beginning to build an appropriate network.
the team.
04 | THE PEAK
Billing 1,000 hours per year (annualised basis). No padding or slow-peddling.
03 | THE SNOW LINE
Billing 1,000 hours per year (annualised basis). No padding or slow-peddling.
Effectively managing billing process for at least 2 clients.
Sets a good example of time recording.
02 | THE TREE LINE
Consistently meets hours/billing targets.
Proactively seeks out work to ensure they are fully utilised and meeting targets.
01 | THE BASE
Records time and billing narratives in an appropriate manner
Demonstrates good understanding of chargeable time and the importance of closing-down time promptly and billing on time.
