Patrik Rindstål took over the role of Managing Partner at Lindahl's office in Uppsala in March. After just over a month, Patrik has had time to experience much that is positive as well as what he regards as more challenging. Here he shares his reflections on the initial period, why he feels that student engagement at Lindahl is so important, as well as his top tips for new lawyers.
Patrik Rindstål, Managing Partner at Lindahl in Uppsala.
Patrik Rindstål became Managing Partner in Uppsala in March. His initial period in the new role has been characterised by intensive work, but also a lot of fun. The major change in his working life is the time Patrik is putting into the job of leading and managing the firm.
"As a partner, you naturally always have a responsibility to contribute to the firm's development, but as Managing Partner there is an even clearer focus", he explains.
Patrik reports that there have been several new recruitments to the Uppsala office in the last month, one of the aspects he sees as most enjoyable from his initial period as Managing Partner.
"Simply having the opportunity to sign several new employment contracts is clearly very rewarding," he says.
The major challenge that Patrik perceives is combining the work that the Managing Partner role requires with ordinary client work. He is therefore very grateful to have numerous capable and helpful colleagues who can provide support when time is short.
Engagement for students is significant
Something that has permeated Patrik's many years as a partner at Lindahl is his engagement in the student activities that Lindahl arranges. He regards the work for students as meaningful for several reasons. Partly, to ensure Lindahl's long-term capacity to continue to offer clients advice at the absolutely highest level, through getting to know and attracting the keenest talents to Lindahl from law programmes, partly because it is a good occasion to communicate the career opportunities that Lindahl offers.
Patrick's advice to law students who want to work with business law is to first and foremost find a workplace where they get on with their colleagues.
"Your colleagues will always be the most important for long term satisfaction, and that applies regardless of profession. In addition, it is important to try to acquire the ability to put yourself in the clients' situation. Working with business law requires an interest in and feel for business, so don't just focus on the law", Patrik says.
What Patrik is most looking forward to next is Lindahldagen in Uppsala on 23 April, and then a weekend with friends in San Sebastián with good food and a football match between Real Sociedad and Real Madrid. After that there will be a busy May including an important main hearing in Attunda District Court and a large gathering for all our partners in Gothenburg.
"Hopefully all seasoned with a lot of spring sunshine," Patrik concludes.
