"Collaboration" gets thrown around a lot in legal job descriptions. But when we ask candidates what they actually experience in their teams, the definition can vary wildly.

So what does a truly collaborative working environment look like, especially in a legal context, where seniority, deadlines, and competing priorities can make it hard to slow down and bring others along for the ride?

We recently spoke with a senior lawyer whose juniors had given consistently positive feedback about their leadership style. Curious about what set them apart, we asked how they approach working with junior lawyers.

1. A proper briefing
Rather than handing off a task and hoping for the best, this senior lawyer takes the time to explain the scope, purpose, and how the junior’s work fits into the bigger picture. They also offer a steer on where to start, so there is enough guidance to set them up for success.

2. Availability (with boundaries)
They make themselves available for questions and discussion provided juniors are expected to think through the problem and propose a solution first. This balances learning by doing with a safety net, encouraging growth while being there when it counts.

3. Constructive feedback
Once the task is completed, the development work begins. Instead of sending back tracked changes without context, or worse, making changes and sending it to the client without involving the junior, this senior grabs a quick moment with the juniorfor a debrief. They explain stylistic and tonal edits, creating a learning loop. It's a small act that builds capability and confidence.

Partners and senior lawyers are time-poor, but juniors who are engaged, eager to learn, and show potential are worth the investment. When the time is taken to support growth, even in small, thoughtful ways, it pays off. They’ll improve faster, contribute more, and stick around longer.