A Day in the Life of a Newly Qualified Solicitor (Take 1)

So what is a typical day in the life of a newly qualified solicitor, or even a solicitor in general. I am glad to say that no two days are the same. Each day is very much different from the last and presents it’s own challenges, trials, stresses and joys! Maybe that is why being a solicitor is never boring, no one in the profession can say that it is the same every day and that they are bored!

Just as a change to the usual posts, I thought I would do what a typical day for me is. Each day will have some common elements and tasks that I am now in the habit of doing.

Morning (9am-12noon)

• Check emails and voicemails. This is the first thing I do when I arrive at work. I triage my inbox and decide what needs a quick response, such as internal emails from colleagues where I know the information and response and get those done. Next are client emails and I decide which I can respond to straight away, and those which I need to take time to think about and draft a couple of responses. The third category is from Counsel on cases I am dealing with and last are emails from other solicitors requesting information on cases or looking for responses on various issues.
• Review to-do list. I check my to-do list from the previous day to see what I got done and matters that I need to transfer to the current day and start with those. I then review cases and get a realistic to-do list for that day. Sometimes I can be a bit too over ambition on what I think I can do versus what I can actually do. I have now tried to force myself to stop at a certain point knowing that in reality I will never get through everything as more often than not, the day can go off track quite quick and often through no fault of my own. Things happen, unexpected matters arise and emergencies come up. I have had to learn to factor this in.
• Draft documents. I will start with drafting any documents/letters that I need to do as early as I can in the day as I like to leave a gap of a few hours before going back to these to review, edit and update after I have had some time away from them and come back to them fresh. Obviously, there are some letters and documents which are simple enough that just require a quick glance over to check for spelling and that everything makes sense but there are more important ones that I like to take my time and ensure my thoughts and drafting are on point.
• Research legal issues. If there are any matters which require research or preparation, in particular if I have client meetings in the afternoon, I will try and get this done mid to late morning. But again it will depend on how many things are happening.

Afternoon (12noon to 3pm)

• Meet with clients. I like to have most of my client meetings in the afternoon when possible as it gives me time in the morning to prepare.
• Complete administrative tasks. Usually our post comes in around lunch so I like to take some time in the afternoon to complete a variety of administrative tasks, such as reviewing and filing post, updating case files, and responding to correspondence.

Evening (3pm to 5pm)

• Review work. The last couple of hours is usually spent reviewing any documents drafted in the morning and making any changes that need to be done before I get these sent out. I also respond to any emails that have come in. If I have any time (which is rare) I will tidy any loose ends and start preparation for the following day or any upcoming court cases.
• Professional Development. Often during the afternoons on some days there are professional development courses which run through the year. These help in keeping you updated on latest legal processes and help you get familiar with areas of law which may not be up to speed on. There is a compulsory number of hours which need to be completed each year, but spread out throughout the year means you can get those hours built up easily. The courses are also a great opportunity to meet with other colleagues attending and network.

Some Final Thoughts.

• The workload can be heavy, but it is also very stimulating.
• You will often be working on a variety of different cases, which gives you the opportunity to learn about different areas of law.
• You will be working closely with more experienced lawyers, who can provide them with guidance and support.
• For the most part you will also be responsible for building relationships with clients, which is an important part of the job.