City law firms launch mandatory communication bootcamps for junior lawyers

London’s leading law firms are making it compulsory for their newest associates and apprentices to complete a series of communication workshops. The programmes, which focus on telephone etiquette, client‑facing conversations and inter‑generational collaboration, are being rolled out by firms such as Addleshaw Goddard and Winston Taylor after internal reviews flagged gaps in real‑world client interaction skills among recent hires.

Why firms are stepping in

At Addleshaw Goddard, the early‑careers team identified that some junior lawyers “may have had limited exposure to a professional services environment and may benefit from additional support around workplace expectations, communication and confidence”, according to a statement to City AM. The firm’s training covers workplace technology, professional etiquette and the nuances of speaking with colleagues from different generations.

Our aim is not to address a skills deficit, but to provide practical support that helps people navigate professional life, build relationships and communicate effectively with colleagues, clients and stakeholders.

Aisha Saeed, the firm’s early‑careers manager, said communication was singled out as a priority when designing a development pathway that runs from apprenticeship to qualification.

Meanwhile, Wendy Tomlinson, chief people officer at Winston Taylor, confirmed that telephone training is now a mandatory component of the junior lawyer curriculum. She explained that the sessions teach “communication, collaboration and relationship‑building, including understanding different communication styles and learning how to adapt their approach to clients and colleagues”.

Broader implications for the profession

The move comes amid growing evidence that younger professionals experience “phone anxiety”. A March YouGov poll found only 33 per cent of Gen Z respondents felt comfortable making calls, compared with 67 per cent of Baby Boomers. Text, email and instant messaging are the preferred channels for the majority of the youngest cohort.

Educational institutions are responding as well. Nottingham College now offers a short course aimed at helping “Gen‑Z employees overcome phone anxiety” for sectors including law. Careers adviser Liz Baxter noted that many graduates have spent most of their lives communicating via texts and voice notes, leaving them little practice in real‑time two‑way conversations.

Looking ahead

Law firms expect the bootcamps to raise the quality of client service and reduce the risk of miscommunication that can lead to costly errors. By embedding these skills early, firms hope to create a generation of lawyers comfortable across a range of communication media, from traditional phone calls to emerging digital platforms such as those discussed in financial‑services compliance updates.

For junior lawyers like Ella Clarkson, a solicitor apprentice who took part in the trial at Addleshaw Goddard, the training “has had a positive impact on both my development and the quality of my work”. As more firms adopt similar curricula, the expectation is that phone‑shy graduates will become the norm rather than the exception, reshaping client interaction standards across the City.