Articles From the Team

May the force be with you

This week the world held its breath as the much anticipated 7th instalment of the Star Wars franchise, Episode VII The Force Awakens, was released in cinemas globally. At a minute past midnight I was there, at the Odeon in Birmingham with my overpriced “special edition” popcorn and drink combo, waiting with bated breath for the iconic music to start playing and the title to start rolling across the screen. The tension and excitement were palpable, and it’s entirely possible that my heart skipped a beat as the film burst into action on the big screen. Gleefully I must say that the hype and anticipation were entirely warranted, this film did not disappoint! Being the fan that I am I could quite happily ramble on and on and on about this film, compared to the six predecessors, the charming and clever nostalgic touches thrown in throughout and my excitement for Episode VIII to hit the screens as well; but I fear that may bore some of you so I shall instead move on to the actual point.

This film is part of trilogy that was announced in 2012. For three years we have been waiting to see what comes next for the republic, the resistance, the Jedi, the dark side, and the galaxy. Then to heighten our anticipation in 2014 the title for Episode VII was announced. This generated much excitement and the internet was awash with plot rumours and potential spoilers. Across the world three generations of Star Wars fans were buzzing with excitement, but rather remarkably there were very few significant leaks or spoilers that would ruin the surprise. In today’s digitally connected world it’s astonishing that the studios producing the film were able to keep this all under wraps. In a strange twist I think this is a fine example of managing expectations.

Managing expectations is something I have referenced in a previous blogs so I run the risk of repeating myself, however, it is rather a vital part of the service we provide as legal recruiters to both candidates and clients alike. As a candidate it is important that we help you understand the scenario in which you find yourself, the role you could be stepping into and how this will change your life both professionally and personally. As a client it is important that we help you understand the conditions of the market, the candidates available, where there are gaps in experience, why these gaps appear and how this is likely to develop as the year rolls on. As legal recruiters we then have to match as many of these expectations as possible to ensure that both the candidate and the client make the right decision. I imagine this is akin to the choice Luke Skywalker had to make when Darth Vader and Darth Sidious were tempting him to the dark side of the force. What was expected of him as a Jedi and what would be expected of him if he were to turn to the dark side? He had to make a choice…

Naturally we will always reflect on the choices we make. These reflections can sometimes manifest as regret or questionable choices, or as confirmation that you made the right decision. I have zero regrets about staying up until 3:30am to watch Star Wars on opening night, although I am rather heavily reliant on caffeine today. I would hope that with the right guidance from BCL Legal, whether you are a candidate or a client, when you reflect back on 2016 there will be no regrets and no questions about the choices you make.

So here’s to the year to come, wishing you a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.

For more information, please contact Gishan Abeyratne at BCL Legal.