If you are one of the people that have been lucky enough to get a Training Contract, this is for you! (But if you are yet to find one, don’t lose hope, it took me a year and a half to find mine.)
Now that I am officially a Newly Qualified Solicitor, I took some time away to reflect on the past two years. What lessons did I learn? What should I have done differently? What did I do right? What tips can I pass on to other Trainees to be and current Trainees?
There were slow days and then there were those days that go by so quickly you don’t even remember whether you ate. As a trainee, there will be very mundane tasks to complete but ultimately the primary goal is to learn.
Here are some key things to do during your two years to ensure that you don’t spend all your time counting down but you really get the most out of it.
Ask questions
Even when your task appears so far removed from the matter, be interested in what other people are doing. Monitor correspondences in the office and ask why certain points are being raised and negotiated over others or if something appears unusual.
Take initiative
When working on large deals, they tend to go on for an extended period and you will find yourself inundated with emails. You aren’t the only person overwhelmed by this.
If you see a task in there that you could help with, like preparing the first draft or following up with a person or sending a document, notify your supervisor.
Whatever it is, raise your hand and take the initiative, especially if it will help your client’s matter. If it then turns out that they don’t need the help, you get points for enthusiasm.
Talk to other trainees
It is easy to think that you aren’t getting enough quality work or that you are being overworked, but you are not alone in having these thoughts. Develop the habit of speaking to other trainees at your firm or other firms.
You will have trainees who will exaggerate their experience and the level of responsibility that they have. Try and find trainees who’ll be frank and honest.
Don’t take constructive criticism personally
You will have difficult colleagues, clients and supervisors. It is important to distinguish between when your work is being criticised for teaching purposes or when that person is simply having a bad day or just being unnecessarily difficult.
Do not let the comments affect your work. If it’s feedback, take it. If it’s just negative comments, brush it off.
If you find that your work is being constantly criticised, then be bold enough to ask for suggestions on how you can improve. Improvement is always a positive thing.
Engage in pro bono work
Pro bono has many benefits, networking and development of legal skills being two of the most important. You will get the time to really develop your research, drafting, advisory and/or presentation skills in what can be a less pressurised environment.
You will also get a sense of fulfilment because you can directly see the impact of your contribution. If your firm isn’t big on pro bono work, then consider setting up a project yourself or getting in touch with other law firms you could partner with.
Keep a record
This is a great way for you to note down what documents you have seen and official forms you have filled in e.g. TR1. Keeping a log is also very useful when updating CVs or writing your review.
Be positive
Do things with a smile, even proof reading and bundling *side-eye*.
Every time you want to complain, just remember that there are thousands of law students out there applying to be in your position and you are essentially being paid to learn.
If you find yourself getting in a rut, take the Friday/Monday off and have a long weekend that doesn’t involve office talk. If you are still in a rut and hating life, then just remember that you will only be in that seat for a few more months, after which you can move on to hopefully a more enjoyable seat.
Above all, remember to be grateful because not many people get to be in the position you’re in and have to quit on their dreams. I really hope this helps someone during their two years and beyond.