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What are some of the key skills a legal practitioner needs to have a long and successful career in law? What are the main differences between capabilities and competencies? How can solicitors remain resilient in the face of rapidly developing technology like artificial intelligence?

These are some of the questions featured in an engaging and thoughtful webinar discussion about the Law Society’s Solicitor Capability Framework, which was launched in September. The webinar features Law Society President Jennifer Ball and Dr Marcus Bowles, project lead consultant on the development of the Framework.

The Framework covers seven primary capabilities and seven secondary capabilities, that solicitors need to succeed in a career in law. Bowles points out the capabilities are the enduring, ‘non-technical’ skills and behaviours that reflect best practice across the profession that solicitors should develop throughout the course of their careers.

The seven primary capabilities are: integrity and ethics, critical thinking and decision-making, professionalism, problem-solving, solicitor-client relationships, communication and influence, and adaptive mindset and resilience.

Bowles points out that people are adopting artificial intelligence (AI) earlier and with the emergence of a new generation of “digital natives,” it is imperative for legal practitioners to hone their skills, such as critical thinking.

Bowles acknowledges the risks in using AI are well-documented and he explains that the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court has spoken at length about this issue.

Ball stresses the Solicitor Capability Framework is not “mandatory” and does not replace continuing professional development requirements under the Uniform Law nor compliance with the Australian Solicitors’ Conduct Rules. “It is a tool to support solicitors in practice and in their professional development,” she says.

The Capability Framework has been integrated into the Law Society’s CPD program and solicitors are able to search for courses related to specific capabilities. The Law Society is available to support law firms/organisations looking to incorporate the Framework into their internal professional development processes.

The webinar is available for free and on-demand on Lawinform.