Articles From the Team

Star Wars

Last week the world held its breath as the much anticipated 8th instalment of the Star Wars franchise was released in cinemas globally. At a minute past midnight I was there for the first showing. Despite what some critics have said, gleefully I must say that the hype and anticipation were entirely warranted, this film did not disappoint! This film is part of trilogy that was announced in 2012. We waited for three years for Episode VII the Force Awakens and we have been waiting another two to see what comes next! Then to heighten our anticipation, in January 2017 the title for Episode VIII was announced: The Last Jedi. What did this mean? Was this the end of the Jedi order? This generated much excitement and the internet was awash with plot rumours and potential spoilers.

Across the world, generations of Star Wars fans were buzzing with excitement but rather remarkably there were very few leaks or spoilers that would ruin the surprise. We had to wait another 11 months to find out! 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 rather a vital part of the service we provide as legal recruiters to both our lawyer candidates and legal sector 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.

Expectations are largely based on circumstances and choices. We have made choices that have altered our circumstances, either positively or negatively. These choices, which could have been around the type of work, the size of the firm, the location, the salary and so on, will have been based on previous circumstances and your own expectations for your career. Much of the same can be said of the firm that hired you, or that may be about to hire you. Circumstances are such that they need to grow, they need to add more skilled lawyers to their team. Their choices however are limited by the market, which may or may not meet their expectations.

As legal recruiters we have to match as many 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. 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 but he only had the word of Obi-Wan Kenobi and Yoda to go on when considering his expectations of the dark side. Nonetheless, he made a choice based on his expectations (a choice widely considered to have been the right one might I add…)

Naturally, we will always reflect on the choices we make which may alter our expectations. These reflections can sometimes manifest as regret or second guessing one’s self, or as confirmation that you made the right decision. I have zero regrets about staying up until 4:00am to watch Star Wars on opening night, the day before the BCL Legal Christmas party. Although, I was rather heavily reliant on caffeine the following day.

I would hope that with the right guidance from BCL Legal, whether you are a candidate or a client, when you reflect back on 2017 there will be no regrets and no questions about the choices you have made and your expectations for the year to come. In managing your expectations we feel that ultimately the choice you make will have been the right one.

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

For more information contact Gishan Abeyratne at BCL Legal.