ONE MONTH AND COUNTING…

ARTICLE

ONE MONTH AND COUNTING…

MY FIRST MONTH AS A TRAINEE SOLICITOR

Becoming a trainee solicitor is something I have been dreaming of since I submitted my initial UCAS applications for University back in 2016. Despite years of textbooks, reading cases and answering problem questions, I don’t think anything can truly prepare you for entering the world of work and fulfilling that dream.

I was very fortunate that upon securing my training contract, I was asked to paralegal with my firm, MFG Solicitors LLP, in the year leading up to the start of my training contract. On my first day as a trainee, this really helped to calm the ‘first day nerves’ with our induction meeting taking place in a meeting room where I myself have met with numerous clients during my paralegal year.

This year, the 1st September actually fell on a Thursday which gave a nice two day induction period before the hard work really began. The induction days provided a great opportunity to meet the other trainees, share our history and bond over a particularly fancy pub meal at a local pub. These days were also used to give us an overview of the firm, provide us with a roadmap of what we could expect over the next two years and allowed the current trainees to share their top tips with us (something we were all exceptionally grateful for).

Following our induction days we were placed in our respective teams. I was fortunate enough to remain in the Commercial Property team, with whom I had worked for the past year. This meant I have been able to focus on developing new skills such as my time recording along with developing existing skills including client communication and drafting.

I have been attending client meetings and taking a very ‘hands on’ approach to the matters which has already proved invaluable in preparing me for qualification. Notably during my first month I have been involved in orchestrating three large re-mortgages for an existing client along with preparing a number of smaller scale commercial leases.

My first month as a trainee has also been spent trying to immerse myself in the various opportunities which come with working in the legal sector. On Friday 2nd September, the Shropshire Junior Lawyers Division held a networking event at the Peach Tree in Shrewsbury. Being on the committee I was involved in organising this event and ensuring everything went smoothly on the night. I have also been involved in some fundraising activities, in particular, myself and a group of colleagues from the firms’ Telford office participated in the Shropshire Legal Walk to raise money for The Access to Justice Foundation.

The variety of work I have been given, as well as the support from my team has been amazing and my first month has absolutely flown by. Between networking, drafting and meetings I can’t believe it is almost October. I am incredibly excited for the remainder of the seat and the opportunities which being a trainee will continue to offer.

Rachel Dear

Rachel Dear is a Trainee solicitor at MFG Solicitors.