A split-seat trainee

8.30

Marks my arrival into the office. I have a chat with my supervisor about a research task I prepared yesterday and while my computer boots up I make a cup of tea. Upon returning to my desk, I take a look through my emails to track any overnight developments in the matters I am involved with. A client has emailed a query regarding costs, and I draft a reply immediately to make sure they have enough time to assess the information prior to a call we have scheduled later in the afternoon.

10.00

My supervisor has asked me to prepare a research memorandum on an international treaty so we can respond to a request from a foreign firm of lawyers. There is a call scheduled later in the day with the other side to discuss so I begin to prepare the memo.

12.00

Having prepared the memo, I leave it with my supervisor to review. The post has now arrived and I have received a response from a company who we are pursuing for copyright infringement. I prepare a draft response requesting further information and hand both letters to my supervisor at the same time. After taking in my supervisor’s amendments, I arrange for the letters to be sent out in the post.

13.00

It is lunch time and, as I fancy some fresh air, I head over to Fosse Park shopping centre with some of my Commercial Property colleagues. We have a celebratory lunch as one of the paralegals has managed to secure a training contract with the firm.

14.00

The client I emailed earlier calls me to discuss the procedure and likely costs going forward in their case. I have talked over the issues with my supervisor beforehand and know the answers to their questions. Once the call is over, I make a telephone note to ensure a record is kept of what was said.

15.30

After discussing my research on the treaty with my supervisor, we briefly discuss our strategy for the call in light of the client’s instructions.

16.00

I sit in on the call between my supervisor and the foreign lawyers. My role is to take notes on what is agreed and deal with the follow-up email to the client.

17.00

With my main tasks for the day complete I update my weekly training record, log my time recording for the day, and organise my filing.

17.30

I settle down to write this blog of my daily activities. Upon finishing it, I send it to my colleague for review.

18.00

I jot down the tasks I need to complete tomorrow and shut down my computer.

As a trainee at Howes Percival you will be asked to make telephone calls, attend meetings, draft documents and generally run matters on your own accord under supervision. These tasks are the mainstay of trainee work. It is also important to get involved with and contribute to marketing events at the firm. This exposure helps to develop client contact skills that will become more important as your career progresses. To date, I have assisted with various seminars, played five aside football for the firm (badly), and helped out with our annual Christmas quiz.