Name: Kim Huggins – Trainee Solicitor
Studies:
Law and Politics degree at Nene University College, Northampton
Common Professional Exam/General Diploma in Law at Anglia Ruskin University
Legal Practice Course at College of Law, Bloomsbury
Background:
Following my degree in Northampton I undertook work experience within Central Government to make practical use of my political studies prior to joining Hill & Abbott in January 2001 as a paralegal in the Personal Injury Law department.
I am proud to say that I work for the firm not only because of their local reputation but also, and more personally, because they have given me many opportunities to progress and enhance my career over the eight and a half years that I have been here.
Obviously, like any firm, these opportunities are not simply handed out. To be rewarded you must show dedication, commitment and a determination to succeed – success both personally and for the firm.
What does the job involve
As a trainee solicitor I spend six months in each department under the supervision of more senior solicitors and partners of the firm. Because I am undertaking my solicitor training under the part time study training contract method my training contract is spread over a three year period – longer than the average. This allows me to complete the Legal Practice Course at the same time as doing the training and I am lucky in the sense that I have been granted a six month reduction and therefore I will qualify in March 2011 as opposed to September.
In addition to each seat I am also required to attend many courses throughout the year which helps keep the law fresh in my mind and also makes me aware of any changes which I otherwise may not know of, particularly in areas where I have already trained or have not yet trained in.
A typical day
My day begins with a quick check of any emails and voicemail messages, followed by a talk with my supervisor as to any updates or relevant information I may need to know – either general law updates which may affect my work or case specific information.
The daily tasks vary substantially and could involve assisting in lease drafting, attending court, dealing with contentious and non contentious matters to carrying out needle in the haystack style research projects and on the odd occasion, rummaging around on my hands and knees with the Practice Manager!
I have regular contact with clients, barristers, various external agents and other law firms and have to be on the ball at all times. It can at times be challenging going from being completely submersed and embroiled in complex paperwork to dropping everything so as to assist in an urgent non related matter.
The day passes very quickly, and the great variety means there is never an opportunity for boredom but if you don’t keep on top of the workload you can quickly drown in a heap of ‘to-do’s’. What stands out about my workplace is that there is a firm wide willingness to help, guide and encourage, so even on the rare days where one might feel overwhelmed, support and assistance is quickly offered.
What’s expected
As a trainee you are expected to have a competent level of knowledge of the law and also be able to implement it. In equal measures you also need common sense and an ability to multi-task. The work undertaken is often the work you would carry out if you were qualified. A trainee is therefore given great responsibility from an early stage. As well as in the office trainee’s are expected to go and network so it’s essential to be able to hold a conversation and not be intimidated by some very big and highly regarded figures.
Summary
The role of a trainee solicitor is both challenging and rewarding. It tests your abilities, at times it can make you doubt yourself and it keeps you on your toes but you learn new things every day and get a sense of satisfaction from the work conducted.
It would be wrong to suggest that the part time study training contract is at all easy - combining studying of the LPC in London at weekends whilst undertaking the training contract in the office during the week, and amusing a three year old child throughout all of this is not ideal but I wouldn’t change it.
My advice to any prospective trainee is to try and obtain summer placements/work experience at firms offering such schemes to really get a feel for the work as the path to qualifying is long and at times arduous, but well worth it.
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