Role profile library
Predefined role profile
Solicitors
The behaviours this profile measures, drawn from the great{with}talent job library and occupational research. Download the full competency-based interview guide to assess them.
The full interview guideCompetency-based questions, follow-up probes and a 1–5 rating form for each behaviour — ready to print or run on screen.
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Behaviours assessed — 5 priority competencies
1
Technical Capability
Has the necessary knowledge, skills and proficiency to conduct their role. Demonstrates mastery in their area of technical capability. Stays up to date with advances in their field and commits to their continuous development.
Why this matters for Solicitors: SRA Statement of Solicitor Competence Section B 'Technical legal practice' covers legal research, drafting documents, advocacy, and applying legal expertise. Technical Capability captures depth of legal knowledge, mastery of practice areas, and staying current with developments in the law.
2
Analytical Skills
Breaks a problem down into its core elements. Draws on different data sources to inform their thinking, identifying the most pertinent issues within this. Incorporates the emotive elements of a situation into their thinking, before making sound inferences based on the available information.
Why this matters for Solicitors: SRA Section B also requires solicitors to obtain relevant facts, undertake legal research, and develop and advise on options. Analytical Skills captures the ability to break down complex legal problems, draw on diverse sources, and make reasoned inferences from incomplete information.
3
Personal Leadership
Takes responsibility for their own actions. Proactively takes on additional responsibilities and drives their own performance. Lives their own values, actively acknowledges and seeks feedback from others.
Why this matters for Solicitors: SRA Section A — 'Ethics, professionalism and judgement' — is listed first and starts with 'Act honestly and with integrity, in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements and the SRA Standards'. Personal Leadership captures this self-driven integrity and ethical accountability. Without it, technical competence is undermined by professional misconduct risk.
4
Influencing and Persuading
Presents simple, impactful messages in a compelling manner. Changes their emphasis and approach to address resistance, focusing on the value their ideas will bring different stakeholders. Confidently negotiates effective outcomes.
Why this matters for Solicitors: Section B requires effective advocacy and negotiation. Section C requires the solicitor to communicate persuasively with clients and across the legal process. Influencing & Persuading captures the ability to present compelling messages, change emphasis to address resistance, and negotiate effective outcomes.
5
Customer Focus
Builds effective customer relationships to ensure needs and expectations are understood. Understands the importance of the customer to the business, seeking regular feedback whilst being prepared to say no when needed.
Why this matters for Solicitors: SRA Section C — Working with other people — emphasises establishing and maintaining client relationships, responding to concerns, informing clients of progress and risks. Customer Focus captures understanding what clients actually need (often beyond what they ask for) and managing the relationship over the matter's life.