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There are leaders in every law firm. But very few are the leaders who end up being a reference for their employees

Leaders have to take into account many aspects that will drive them as great professionals, but there are few aspects that are crucial for an influential leader to be respected by his or her subordinates. Among the qualities of a leader, we summarise three essential ones:

- Exemplarity

Leaders have to set an example, they have to inspire their employees, and they have to enact a job well done and the right treatment of employees. Having influence over employees, the leader has to be very careful in what he says and does, as his actions have both positive and negative consequences for the employees.

- Effectiveness

Leaders need to know their own strengths and those of their co-workers. Discovering each other's weaknesses is also an important task. With all the information the leader gathers, he/she has to establish how to deal with each of the workers, as well as the appropriate level of demands on each of them. 

- Trust

A team functions optimally if there is an atmosphere of trust. The leader must be responsible for creating and maintaining trust. Without trust there is no practical leadership, and without trust there is no full communication and productivity. 

There are many ways to create a climate of trust between the leader and his or her employees. One way is respect and admiration. Another is empathy. The leader has to find the best way to gain the trust of each and every co-worker.