Career Clinic: Language skills - career boost or waste of time?

Depends...

Following the language courses will boost your chances of moving to an overseas office (if this is really what you want) where you will have the opportunity to really learn the language. If you don't have such plans it is a waste of time from a professional point of view (but not from a cultural one as you correctly state)...

Andreas -10 Jun 2010 | 13:36

Waste of time professionally - I speak two European languages fluently (I studied languages at uni) and have hardly used either at my 'global' firm. I did a bit of document review in one of them but I really doubt you'd be up to that level of language from a lunchtime class.

Otherwise, everyone in the foreign offices speaks English so at the most it's quite useful to be able to follow their internal discussions when they think you can't understand, but that's about it.

Depending on the size of your firm there might be more scope for translation etc of small documents which sometimes come through, but a) if your firm's big enough to have a lot of foreign nationals in it, you're unlikely to be the best translator available, and b) again, I doubt a lunchtime class will get you up to the required level.
Do the classes for fun by all means, but don't expect them to be of great use in your office life.

Anon -10 Jun 2010 | 14:03

Waste of time really...

I speak four languages to a native level and I was struggling to find a job as a qualified lawyer.

The languages are a cherry on the cake but useless if not supported but solid experience and the preferred education path - unless you want to be a paralegal for life then they are worth the work.

Sorry, but I have to join the previous comment of Andreas... this might be surprising taking into account that London is often described as cosmopolitan...

Immigrant -10 Jun 2010 | 14:23

Agree with Immigrant

Complete waste of time unless you want to look good at the bar when ordering beers in whichever jurisdiction takes your fancy. Very boringly, you'd better off taking a corporate finance or accounting course (if it's relevant for your area of practice) or a masters in commercial law.

City Woman -10 Jun 2010 | 14:52

Waste of time 2

I also speak several languages, and have not been able to become a multi-jurisdictionally licensed attorney through my language skills. It may help you socially or to move in between offices, but unless you are seriously considering becoming a licensed attorney in a foreign jurisdiction, you could get higher ROI Time by doing something else.

Inmigrant In-House -11 Jun 2010 | 02:33

Waste of time

For you its a waste of time - you're a busy NQ, there's a million things you could be doing with your time to push your career on. In addition, European languages are probably not super useful. And trying to learn Mandarin in your spare time or around a hectic lawyers schedule would be impossible.

More generally it really depends on what language, to what level you want to get it to, and what you want to do career wise. Check out legal recruitment sites - you're not going to get out to HK or China without Mandarin skills anymore - but it that's not your focus then its really not a big deal.

anon -11 Jun 2010 | 13:31

Go for it

I belive langauges can make a difference. I am dual-qualified English and Spanish and the Spanish got me my training contract where I headed up the Spanish desk. After four years at my firm, our Spanish best friend firm offered me a job and I moved to Spain and now practise English & Spanish law! Go for the classes even if you do not move abroad!

Alex -14 Jun 2010 | 20:55

Languages are never wasted

Can't believe the negativity of the comments on here. Learning a language is never a waste. Even if you don't think you will use it for work, pick your favourite holiday country and learn the local language.

Helen -28 Jun 2010 | 09:16

Labguages are the key of of the sweatshop!

I speak two additional European languages fluently and I am currently working as an English qualified lawyer in Eastern Europe. Languages are super useful if you are willing to ditch the 'sweat shop' offices in the UK that care little about personal or linguistic ability in favour of a more boutique or proactive continental firm where you can find yourself advising clients in several different languages and dealing with work that involves travel to interesting parts of the world. It takes a little effort, but is ultimately so much more rewarding.

Don't listen to the sceptics, they are just annoyed that they wasted their linguistic skills cranking out ancilliaries and agreements in an overcast city. Get off your ass and find the job you want. It won't just land on your lap!

Pajovic -30 Jun 2010 | 11:13

languages

I am astounded at these narrow minded and isolated British islander views (I am a Brit by the way) - we all need a portfolio of skills, including modern languages, if we want flexibility in our careers; you may not need to do business in Paris in French (the chances are that your counterparts speak more than their own native language), but it will always help. Especially if 'johnny foreigner' doesn't understand your perfect, understated, educated and idiomatic 'native English'.

tcbw -17 Aug 2010 | 08:33