Trainee Solicitor Contracts



Laura Whitehouse - First Year Trainee

As the Private Client department was the first seat of my training contract I was a little unsure of what to expect. I did know that I would be sitting in on client meetings, taking notes and shadowing my supervisor in her work.

But what really surprised me is how much responsibility I was given from day one. I was passed client files with jobs that included drafting Wills, deeds of variation, affidavits and oaths as well as letters to both clients and companies. This was a fantastic hands-on opportunity to gain some really practical experience and specialist skills under the watchful eye of my supervisor.

The amount of client contact I receive has made all the difference in my training. I realised that I wasn't just developing my legal skills but my communication skills as well by conducting client meetings and drafting client correspondence. I felt my confidence build week-by-week.

What was particularly interesting about my first seat is that I was not just working with people within my department, but also with residential conveyancing, accounts and office support staff. I gained a real insight as to how the firm as a whole functions together, and this cross-department working has continued with the next stage of my training. To my surprise I was also required to contact foreign lawyers when clients were in possession of foreign assets or if someone had died abroad. Again this added another, quite exciting and interesting, element to my work.

I found the Private Client team, both lawyers and support staff, to be so relaxed and friendly that you never felt embarrassed about asking any questions. You also gained a lot of personal attention and guidance not just from your supervisor but all fee earners in the department. In fact the clearest message the firm as a whole gives to its trainees is that they are an integral part of the firm's business and success.

I had little knowledge of what to expect from my Private Client seat prior to starting, but I am now considering this as an area of law to qualify into. I hope I can continue to make a valuable contribution to the department's work.