8.30
I arrive at the office and, after making a cup of tea, start checking my emails. I also compile the first draft of my “to-do-list” which will be subject to continual revision throughout the day..9.00
My supervising partner runs through my to-do list with me and gives me instructions on several new tasks that I will need to carry out this week. I use this opportunity to raise any questions that I may have with my work.9.30
I attend a department meeting. As a department we have regular meetings at which the team can discuss workloads, ask for help with particular problems, plan networking events and have a general catch up. It is essential for the team to communicate regularly, especially in a busy department.10.00
We are acting for a tenant who is keen to determine their lease. A break notice must be served on time, so it is important that it goes out today. I make sure to draft all the necessary documentation early in the day, so that it can be checked and returned to me for editing, prior to my sending it out.
"The learning curve has been steep, but manageable, and I definitely feel like I am starting to get into the swing of things."
11.30
I have been asked to draft a letter of instruction to a firm of surveyors. We require a specialised valuation which will be admissible as evidence in court proceedings. The instruction letter therefore needs to be CPR compliant, so I spend some time checking the necessary requirements before I start drafting.
13.00
My colleagues and I attend a lunch seminar, presented by an Estate Management firm. This is a great opportunity to learn about the services they provide, as well as the local market. It also provides some really important information on our clients’ current interests. Lunch is provided, which is another good reason to attend.
14.00
I am asked to draft a number of documents for use in court proceedings. There is a costs and case management conference hearing coming up, so I need to prepare Instructions to Counsel, draft Directions and a draft Tomlin order. I like to leave myself some time to concentrate on drafting, so I usually wait until I have cleared most of the urgent matters off my desk. This allows me to really concentrate on how I word things and helps to prevent any obvious mistakes.
16.30
Having completed all of the day’s urgent tasks, I work on an article I am writing for the firm’s website. Trainees are often asked to help draft these articles, and the process serves to increase your awareness of current issues affecting your practice area.
17.00
At five o’clock I begin to work through my administrative tasks. This usually includes logging on to the IT system all of the time I have spent on various tasks throughout the day, as well as attending to any filing I need to do. I also use this time to update my training diary.
18.00
At Howes Percival, no one expects you to stay too late, unless you have very urgent work to do. I usually try to leave between five thirty and six, so that I can get home in time to go to the gym (or watch football, or sleep, depending on how busy the day has been). If I am asked to stay late by someone, that person is always grateful, and your commitment is noted.
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