Solicitor Onboarding Checklist

Solicitor Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Solicitor starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Legal onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Solicitor, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Solicitor onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Solicitor Onboarding Checklist

1. Introduction to the company: The new solicitor should be provided with a comprehensive introduction to the company, including its history, values, mission, and organizational structure. This task is typically performed by the HR department or a designated onboarding specialist.

2. Familiarization with company policies and procedures: The solicitor should be given a thorough overview of the company’s policies and procedures, including those related to client confidentiality, billing, timekeeping, and conflict of interest. This task is usually performed by the HR department or a senior solicitor.

3. Introduction to key personnel: The new solicitor should be introduced to key personnel within the company, such as partners, senior solicitors, and support staff. This introduction helps establish relationships and facilitates collaboration. The task of introducing key personnel is typically performed by the HR department or a designated mentor.

4. Review of client files and ongoing matters: The solicitor should be provided with an opportunity to review client files and ongoing matters to gain an understanding of the work being handled by the firm. This task is usually performed by a senior solicitor or a designated mentor.

5. Training on legal research tools and databases: The new solicitor should receive training on the legal research tools and databases used by the company. This includes familiarization with online legal research platforms, case law databases, and legal research methodologies. The task of providing training on legal research tools is typically performed by a senior solicitor or a designated legal research specialist.

6. Introduction to case management systems: The solicitor should be trained on the company’s case management systems, including how to open new matters, track time, and manage documents. This task is usually performed by the IT department or a designated case management specialist.

7. Shadowing experienced solicitors: The new solicitor should have the opportunity to shadow experienced solicitors to observe their work processes, client interactions, and courtroom appearances. This task helps the new solicitor gain practical insights and learn from experienced professionals. Shadowing is typically arranged by the HR department or a designated mentor.

8. Attendance at team and department meetings: The solicitor should be encouraged to attend team and department meetings to get acquainted with ongoing projects, discuss case strategies, and participate in knowledge sharing sessions. This task is usually facilitated by the team leader or department head.

9. Introduction to professional development opportunities: The new solicitor should be informed about the professional development opportunities available within the company, such as training programs, workshops, and conferences. This task is typically performed by the HR department or a designated professional development coordinator.

10. Review of ethical guidelines and professional conduct: The solicitor should receive a comprehensive review of ethical guidelines and professional conduct expected within the legal profession. This includes discussions on client confidentiality, conflicts of interest, and maintaining professional integrity. The task of reviewing ethical guidelines is usually performed by a senior solicitor or a designated ethics officer.

11. Introduction to billing and invoicing procedures: The solicitor should be familiarized with the company’s billing and invoicing procedures, including timekeeping requirements, fee structures, and client billing guidelines. This task is typically performed by the finance or accounting department.

12. Introduction to support staff and administrative processes: The solicitor should be introduced to support staff, such as legal assistants, paralegals, and administrative personnel, and provided with an overview of administrative processes, such as document management, scheduling, and file organization. This task is usually performed by the HR department or a designated mentor.

13. Review of company’s marketing and business development strategies: The solicitor should be briefed on the company’s marketing and business development strategies, including client acquisition techniques, networking opportunities, and participation in industry events. This task is typically performed by the marketing or business development department.

14. Introduction to company’s technology infrastructure: The solicitor should be introduced to the company’s technology infrastructure, including email systems, document management systems, and communication tools. This task is usually performed by the IT department or a designated IT specialist.

15. Performance evaluation and goal setting: The solicitor should participate in a performance evaluation process and set goals for professional growth and development. This task is typically performed by the HR department or a designated performance management specialist

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Solicitor checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Solicitor up to speed and working well in your Legal team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.