A message from our chairperson, Tim Fletcher

You know that feeling when you take the first sip of your cup of coffee in the morning. Or how it feels when you reread your favourite book, and the characters feel like long lost friends. Or how you feel when the gentle warmth of the winter sun alights on your face. Well, that is how it feels to work at CDH. And yes, it may surprise you to hear a senior, battle-scarred lawyer talking about feelings. So let me explain a little bit more. As I am sure that you are aware, the large law firms in Africa are very similar, focusing on client-centricity, building relationships, and of course billings. There is even a broad similarity in training, benefits, and career trajectory. But each law firm has a particular character, an essence, a certain feel of the place – like your favourite coffee or book or season.

I have been working here for more than 30 years and although the firm has grown and continues to do so, it remains familiar, warm, and embracing of all.  

Starting work as a Candidate Attorney can bring unexpected difficulties, particularly when it is your first full-time office job. Getting office-fit is a real thing. Working a full day requires stamina, particularly in a new and potentially intimidating environment and it is important that you get enough sleep, eat properly, get some exercise, and pay attention to your mental health.

Building relationships is important initially with your fellow Candidate Attorneys then with the lawyers in the firm and ultimately with clients but this is a skill that requires patience, consideration for others and emotional intelligence. Those things can take time to develop so don't behave on day one as if you own the place.

Take it slow and steady and keep your sense of humour as there will be times to have fun.  

Whilst talent and intelligence might get you in the door, law is a craft that like most others must be learned and practiced. Don't neglect the obvious detail like spelling, grammar, and format. Then grab the training opportunities, ask the questions you need to ask to understand the brief properly and work as hard as you can to produce the best work you can. The best way to build a great reputation is to produce great work, on time and all the time.