The comma, the full stop and the exclamation mark: a short guide to identifying your supervisor's style

As you embark on your journey as a trainee solicitor, it will not take you very long to learn that lawyers are not clones and that individuality shapes how they each deliver their own tailor-made legal services. Identifying these diverse approaches to lawyering is an eye-opening experience for anyone, but particularly for a trainee who is just starting out. Working in my first seat in the property department, I have witnessed a mix of different approaches: the tact of the legalese lovers, the bullish and the unruffled.

A little short of six months in and I had concluded that each of my supervising partners' styles epitomises one of the many symbols in our English rulebook of punctuation. Be guided by the types of lawyering you encounter and you will soon identify how your supervising partners' styles are personified by punctuation. Categorising them in such a way will assist you in adopting their approach.

Take equity partner number one, Mr Exclamation! Mr Exclamation is not afraid to have a slightly colloquial edge to his correspondence depending on the context and the person to whom it is intended. Indeed, his written communication with particular clients is littered with lines and dots demonstrating how amicable his client relationships are, while adding dramatic effect to the point being made. Following Mr Exclamation's lead, I have not been afraid to add an exclamation mark or two of my own into pieces submitted for his approval! Mr Exclamation's gregarious personality is what sets him apart as being a prime marketing tool in the firm and a boundary breaker for change - an approach which any budding trainee should take on board if wishing to gain greater recognition both internally and externally. His every theory and opinion expressed with passion, Mr Exclamation ensures that his view is considered in every discussion and social event - the strong, confident and outspokenly successful adviser. Mr Exclamation unsurprisingly loves a good laugh, but be sure to have a sporting and challenging debate with this one!

Sitting in the next room, equity partner number two is Mr Comma, producing the most lengthy, artistically structured sentences with an insurmountable number of commas - a style that I have never seen before. It is said that the use of commas is an art rather than a science. Mr Comma often writes seven-comma sentences, drafted so intricately that each pause (Mr Comma has informed me) adds clarity to his intended meaning and extra emphasis on the points he wants to make. Like the comma, Mr Comma is a useful intervention - he pauses and collates vast information on a case; he looks at the information before him slowly, carefully and meticulously; and he creates breathing space in transactions between parties where needed. On the telephone, Mr Comma talks steadily, at a comfortable pace. Mr Comma organises his files uniquely, into a series of separate elements. He is the multi-functional punctuation mark.

I am in awe of equity partner number three, the graceful Ms Full Stop. No dilly-dallying. Cut to the chase. Next file please. This is exactly her approach and written style, and evidently it has rewarded her with years of legal success. Needless to say, Ms Full Stop is a former litigation lawyer. Ms Full Stop will tell you how it is - softly and endearingly. Correspondence is short and sweet, but contrary to popular belief, not all litigation lawyers are ruthless and abrupt. She will not spend hours amending the work you have produced either – so long as the key points are present, Ms Full Stop will let you get on in a no-nonsense way.

Upon reflection I would say that being exposed to differing styles of 'how to be a good lawyer' not only provides you with a bank of knowledge in legal etiquette; it also helps you to understand why each lawyer develops his or her own approach. Once mastered, on qualification you can refine these approaches and make them your own, depending on the style you feel most comfortable with – though do not be surprised if you find yourself producing an amalgamation of them all! My tip to all current/prospective trainees is this: identify which punctuation mark your supervisor is. If you adapt to his/her individual style in the manner in which he/she drafts, approaches clients and exhibits work ethic, you will thrive. You will be noticed as capable and attentive to your supervisor’s techniques – seriously, nothing makes a partner happier than seeing a piece of work drafted identically to the precision of his/her own, saving the need to trawl through your drafts with a red pen. You also need to 'think like them' when working on their files. Follow their methodology and logic. Ultimately, understanding styles is all about efficiency in the long run; as we know, time is money and a partner’s time is most definitely big money.

Good luck!

This article was written by a trainee solicitor in the City.