Life of Newly Qualified UK Lawyer

Category: 2023

  • Mental Health as a Solicitor: Challenges and Ways to Cope.

    It’s no secret that the legal profession is often associated with high levels of stress, pressure, and demanding workloads. As a solicitor, at whatever level you are at, whether trainee, junior solicitor, associate or higher you will often have significant responsibilities. Something that I have found out, is that it’s crucial to prioritise your own mental health. This in itself poses unique challenges considering what solicitors usually face on a daily basis never mind when it comes to mental well-being. However, here are some strategies to consider when trying to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

    Let’s start with some of the challenges faced by Solicitors:

    1. High Stress Levels: Legal cases can be emotionally charged and time-sensitive, leading to elevated stress levels. The weight of clients’ problems and the need to perform at a high level can take a toll on mental health.
    2. Long Working Hours: Solicitors often work long hours, including evenings and weekends whether that is to meet deadlines, client expectations or both! This can lead to burnout and have a negative impact on work-life balance.
    3. Client Expectations: Meeting clients’ expectations while managing realistic outcomes can be challenging. Striving for positive results while handling potential disappointments can contribute to emotional strain. We are trying to get the best possible outcome for clients, but sometimes we can only go so far, but often we are not willing to accept that and try to push further, adding unnecessary stress.
    4. Emotional Resilience: Solicitors deal with cases that involve sensitive subjects, making it essential to maintain emotional resilience and empathy while avoiding emotional exhaustion. This is easier said than done but as time goes on and experience gained you learn to build resilience.

    Maintaining Mental Well-being:

    1. Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. Dedicate time for relaxation, hobbies, and spending time with loved ones.
    2. Prioritise Self-Care: Engage in activities that promote physical and mental well-being, such as regular exercise, proper nutrition, and sufficient sleep. These habits can enhance your ability to handle stress.
    3. Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to seek support from colleagues, mentors, or professional counsellors. In fact, as part of some workplace health care policies there are ways to access professional therapists, so have a look to see what’s available. Discussing challenges with others as well as those who understand the legal profession can provide valuable insights and coping strategies.
    4. Time Management: Efficiently manage your time by prioritising tasks and breaking down large projects into smaller, manageable steps. This can help reduce feelings of overwhelm.
    5. Mindfulness and Meditation: Practicing mindfulness and meditation techniques can help manage stress, improve focus, and promote a sense of calm amidst the chaos.
    6. Regular Breaks: Incorporate short breaks throughout the day to recharge. Stepping away from your desk, stretching, and taking a breath can refresh your mind and improve productivity.
    7. Delegate When Possible: Recognise when you can delegate tasks to colleagues or support staff. Sharing the workload can alleviate stress and prevent burnout.
    8. Continuing Education: Stay updated with the latest legal developments and techniques. Ongoing learning can boost confidence and reduce anxiety when handling complex cases.

    As a solicitor, maintaining mental health is essential for both personal well-being and professional effectiveness. By recognising the challenges that come with the legal profession and implementing strategies for self-care and stress management, you can navigate the demands of the job while prioritising your mental well-being. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and taking steps to safeguard your mental health will ultimately benefit you, your clients, and the legal community as a whole.

  • How to decide on what area of Law to Specialise in.

    My main areas of practice are private client and residential conveyancing. The question a lot of trainees ask themselves during their training period, is what area to qualify into. Some may already have a good idea and know exactly what they are going to practice. Equally, quite a number, like myself, will be less sure and will be dipping their feet into different areas during their training contract in order to get an idea of what to go into. It is a big decision as it will affect your career path, your salary, and your overall satisfaction with your work. So how do you choose the right area of law for you?

    Here are a few things to consider:

    • Your interests. What are you passionate about? What kind of work do you find stimulating and rewarding? If you’re not interested in the subject matter, you’re less likely to be successful in it. I know that some will not have a choice in the firm they are with and it may be a case of sticking with it until you find somewhere that will offer you the role and area you want to go into. I was fortunate that I was doing my training in a firm which settled me into the areas I wanted to practice in and once qualified, I “hit the road running!”
    • Your skills and abilities. What are you good at? What kind of work do you enjoy doing? If you have natural talents and abilities in a particular area, you’ll be more likely to succeed in that area of law.
    • The job market. What are the job prospects in the area of law you’re interested in? Is there a demand for solicitors with your skills and experience gained during your training period. It is often the case though that the areas of work you want may not be available. More often than not the most popular areas of law like litigation, corporate etc are filled and many companies recruit from within. Some areas of law like conveyancing will have a lot of vacancies as they seem to be areas lacking professionals. Many maybe think this area does not provide as much glory but it is a very highly skilled area, worth going into.
    • Your career goals. What do you want to achieve in your career? Do you want to work in a big law firm? Start your own practice? Do public interest work? Your career goals should also factor into your decision about what area of law to specialise in.

    Once you’ve considered all of these factors, you can start to narrow down your choices. Just from looking at my own friends who qualified along with me, here are a few of the most popular areas of law I found them going into:-

    • Corporate law: This area of law deals with the legal issues that businesses face. Corporate solicitors help businesses with a wide range of matters, such as mergers and acquisitions, securities law, and contract law. Usually big international firms are offering this area and from what my friends have said there can be many perks, but equally a lot is demanded in terms of work hours and dedication to the job.
    • Intellectual property law: This area of law protects the creative works and inventions of individuals and businesses. Intellectual property solicitors help clients with copyright, trademark, and patent law.
    • Criminal law: This area of law deals with the prosecution and defense of individuals accused of crimes. It can take quite some time to establish yourself so worth getting in early and having a mentor to train and help you as your progress.
    • Civil litigation: This area of law deals with disputes between individuals and businesses. Civil litigators represent clients in a wide range of cases, such as personal injury, contract disputes, and employment law as well as land and boundary issues and other matters. Again, worth getting in early and having a mentor to train and help you get to grips with the practicalities of this area of law.
    • Family law: This area of law deals with the legal issues that arise from divorce, child custody, and adoption. This area of law can be emotionally charged and very draining but equally rewarding both personally and professionally.
    • Residential Conveyancing: Often a forgotten area and treated as a “hobby” by many firms to help bring in revenue quickly and have a cash flow as other areas are “long burners” and often payment could be years down the road whilst in conveyancing it is months. This is a highly specialised area as it takes someone very particular and aware of the nuances of land law in order to do it right. Often trained solicitors in this area are lacking and often as a result things can go wrong.
    • Private Client: This area of law deals with Wills, administration of Estates, Probate and advising on Inheritance Tax. Again, a very specialised area of law which takes a lot of time and training to become versed in.

    These are just a few of the many areas of law to specialise in. The best way to choose the right area of law for you is to do your research, talk to solicitors in different fields, and shadow solicitors to get a sense of what their work is like. With careful planning and consideration, you can choose an area of law that you’ll be passionate about and that will set you up for a successful career.

    Here are some additional tips for deciding what area of law to specialise in:

    • Take advantage of your law school resources. Many law schools offer courses and clinics in different areas of law. This is a great way to explore different fields and see what you’re interested in.
    • Talk to solicitors or friends in different fields. Ask solicitors and friends you have qualified (or are in the same boat as you) about their work, their career paths, and their jobs. This can give you valuable insights into different areas of law.
    • Shadow solicitors. This is a great way to get a firsthand look at what solicitors do in different fields. You could do this in the summer with schemes that run during this time or look for a week here and week there during breaks to get a feel.
    • Do your research. Read books and articles about different areas of law. This will help you learn more about the subject matter and the career opportunities in each field.
    • Trust your gut. Ultimately, the best way to choose an area of law to practice in is to follow your gut. I have found this to be something to always do – believe me, trust yourself – you will know!

  • 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.

  • Tips to deal with coming back to work after a holiday.

    For me, a holiday is great and I love to cut work ties, relax and forget about clients and everything sitting on my desk. However, about two days before I know my break is coming to an end, I start to get that feeling! The slight dread and fear of what lies on my desk and in my email. Returning back after a long break can feel daunting, especially if you have a lot of work to catch up on. Having done it a few times, here are some things I’ve picked up.

    1. Schedule a buffer day.

    If you can, try to schedule a buffer day before you officially return to work. To me, this is a day where no meetings or calls are scheduled. It is a day which I can use to ease in, look through post, review colleagues notes on files and start to review emails. I can start to compile a to do list, schedule my diary and organise my desk. Trust me, if you can put in a buffer day, do it!

    2. Check in with your team.

    During the first day back, check in with those who were looking after your files and other members of your team. This will help you to get up to speed on what’s been happening while you were away and to identify any urgent tasks that need your attention.

    3. Prioritise your tasks.

    Once you know what needs to be done, it’s important to prioritise your tasks. This will help you to focus on the most important things and to avoid getting overwhelmed. It will also help you identify which clients need that urgent call back and which can wait a little bit longer.

    4. Set realistic expectations.

    It’s important to set realistic expectations for yourself when you’re trying to get caught up on work after a holiday. Don’t try to do everything at once, or you’ll just end up feeling stressed and overwhelmed as well as making mistakes which you wouldn’t ordinarily make.

    5. Take breaks.

    Don’t be tempted to try to do everything at once and neglect coffee breaks or lunch. Believe me this does not help you, you end up not being able to concentrate, loosing focus and just not feeling great!

    6. Ask for help.

    If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to ask for help from your team members or your manager. Don’t be a martyr! Get help, you will get to return the favour when they go on leave.

    Also, some side notes;

    • Use a to-do list to keep track of your tasks.
    • Set deadlines for yourself and stick to them.
    • Break down large tasks into smaller, more manageable ones.
    • Take advantage of technology to help you stay organised.
    • Don’t be afraid to delegate tasks to others.

  • Tips on preparing a handover before going on Annual Leave.

    Whether you are a bit of a control freak like myself or as laid back as they come, when it comes to that two weeks of annual leave in the summer, the feeling of dread can start as you begin to think about how to explain and handover cases and tasks to work colleagues to manage in your be to your own absence. However, never feel guilty about taking that well deserved break! Time off to recharge and have a complete break is essential for your health, both mentally and physically. The key is always going to be preparation before you leave and ensuring you set enough time aside to do this. Believe me it will be to your own benefit and will help your colleagues during your well earned break to deal with your clients and cases. Here are some tips that I have found useful!

    Plan and Communicate in Advance.

    The key to a successful annual leave is careful planning and effective communication. This is a bit obvious and I am sure you will have followed the procedures and steps your company has but make sure you check your company’s policy on requesting time off and make your request well in advance. This allows your team and supervisors to prepare and adjust workloads accordingly. Be sure to provide ample notice, especially if your absence might coincide with critical deadlines or important meetings.

    Prioritise and Delegate Tasks.

    Take the time before your leave to assess your current workload and identify tasks that need immediate attention. Prioritise your responsibilities and consider delegating non-essential or routine tasks to trusted colleagues that you know will do the things and do them well so you do not have to worry about them. By distributing the workload, you ensure that nothing falls through the cracks while you’re away and prevent a backlog of work upon your return.

    Create a Detailed Handover Document.

    To provide clarity to your colleagues who will be covering for you during your absence, create a detailed handover document. Include vital information such as ongoing projects, important contacts, deadlines, and any specific instructions or guidelines. Make sure it’s easily accessible and clearly organised, so your colleagues can quickly refer to it if needed.

    Set Up Automated Responses.

    Inform your colleagues and clients about your upcoming leave by setting up automated email responses. Clearly state the dates you will be away and provide alternative points of contact for urgent matters. This helps manage expectations and ensures that crucial communications are addressed promptly, even in your absence. If you can contact some of your clients before hand, especially those who you know require a bit of “extra” attention – it will save your colleagues any issues and you when you come back to pick up the cases again.

    Clear Your Desk and Organise Your Workspace.

    Before heading out on vacation, declutter your workspace and organise your files. This helps your colleagues locate important documents easily, preventing unnecessary delays. Dispose of any perishable items and remove items that may obstruct or hinder others’ workflow. A clean and tidy workspace also provides a sense of order and calm when you return.

    Ultimately, the separation you do before you go will ensure a smooth handover and proactive communication go a long way in ensuring a seamless transition, reducing stress, and allowing you to fully recharge during your time off. Remember, a well-prepared absence is a win-win situation for you, your colleagues and your clients!

  • Writing emails to clients as a solicitor

    As a solicitor, effective communication with your clients is paramount to building trust, maintaining strong relationships, and delivering exceptional legal services. I have found that email is usually the primary means of correspondence. So, the question is what makes an email professional and makes the right impression on clients, ensuring clarity, professionalism and knowing you are coming across well to them.

    I think that the first thing is to make sure that you establish a Professional Tone. Maintaining a professional tone in emails is crucial. Always address clients respectfully, using appropriate salutations and formal language. Avoid jargon or legal terminology that clients may not understand. But, the number one rule is to be clear and simple while still maintaining the necessary level of professionalism.

    Try and see things from your client’s perspective. Try and consider your client’s level of legal knowledge and tailor your communication accordingly. Explain legal concepts and processes in a way that is easily understandable to them. Avoid overwhelming clients with excessive legal terminology or complex details.

    Think about the subject heading of your email. Craft subject lines that are concise, informative, and relevant to the content of the email. A clear subject line will help clients quickly identify the purpose and importance of your message. For example, instead of “Update,” use “Important Update Regarding Your Case: [Brief Description].”

    Structured and Organised Content.
    There is no excuse for sending sloppy email content to a client. Write in a logical and structured manner. Use paragraphs to separate different points or topics, making it easier for clients to follow along. Start with a brief introduction or summary of the purpose of your email. Present information in a sequential order. I have found that headings or bullet points for clarity work wonders with clients and will make your life easier as it will limit the back and fourth with questions and queries.

    Provide Context and Background.
    When discussing legal matters, it is essential to provide context and background information. Briefly summarise relevant events, case details, or any changes that have occurred since your last communication. This will help clients understand the context and relevance of your email, ensuring they are well-informed.

    Be Clear and Concise.
    Clients appreciate clear and concise communication. Use plain language to explain legal concepts, avoiding unnecessary jargon or complex terminology. Use short, focused sentences and avoid lengthy paragraphs to maintain readability.

    Anticipate and Address Questions.
    Consider the questions or concerns your clients may have after reading your email. Anticipate these queries and proactively address them in your message. Providing answers or suggestions in advance can save clients time and demonstrate your proactive approach to their legal matters.

    Proofread and Edit.
    This seems something that most would automatically do but I have found that in the heat of the moment and in the need to be quick and efficient this is often forgotten. Thoroughly proofread your emails before sending them. Correct any spelling or grammatical errors, and ensure your message is clear and coherent. Pay attention to formatting, such as font styles and sizes, to maintain a professional appearance. A well-edited email reflects your attention to detail and professionalism as a solicitor.

    Respect Confidentiality and Security.
    As a solicitor, it is your duty to safeguard client confidentiality and sensitive information. Ensure you are using secure email platforms and take necessary precautions to protect client data. Be cautious about sharing sensitive information in emails and consider using encrypted attachments or secure file-sharing platforms when necessary.

    Timely Follow-Up.
    This one can is the one I find a solicitor can fall down on, and I include myself. Nothing annoys a client more than having to wait days for a response. Please, save yourself unnecessary heartache and respond to client emails promptly. Clients appreciate timely updates and acknowledgment of their concerns. Even if you cannot provide a detailed response immediately, acknowledge receipt of their email and set realistic expectations for when they can expect a thorough response.

    Without a doubt, effective email communication is an essential skill for solicitors to provide exceptional legal services and maintain strong client relationships. By adopting a professional tone, providing clear and concise information, and anticipating client questions, you can enhance your email correspondence and ensure that your clients feel valued and well-informed throughout as well as save yourself from heartache and fighting “battles” that don’t need to be fought!

    I’d love to hear from you and your thoughts. Follow me on Instagram @learninglawyeruk or email me at hello@learninglawyer.co.uk

  • Working with legal secretaries – my experience.

    Without a doubt, whether you are a trainee or solicitor, whether in a big firm or small local one, you will come across Legal secretaries. They are without doubt, an essential part of any law firm. They perform a wide range of tasks, from managing calendars and scheduling appointments to drafting legal documents and preparing for court appearances. In short, they keep the law firm running smoothly and I have found, worth their weight in gold!

    Given the importance of their role, it is essential that we solicitors treat their secretaries with respect and courtesy. I have been amazed at how some, including trainees and legal executives, in the past firms I’ve worked with have treated the legal secretaries as beneath them and underestimated their abilities vastly! I have found the opposite to be true, where legal secretaries know a huge amount, and have a vast amount of experience in many areas of law. I have often relied on them for help and advice and they have often come to my aid. I think, starting as a NQ, you should keep the following in mind;

    • Be polite and professional. This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s worth repeating. Secretaries are professionals, and they deserve to be treated as such. Always use a respectful tone of voice, and treat them as you would want to be treated.
    • Be clear and concise in your instructions. Secretaries are busy people, often doing work for two or three different solicitors, so it’s important to be clear and concise when you give them instructions. This will help to ensure that they understand what you need and that they can complete the task as quickly and efficiently as possible.
    • Be appreciative of their work. Secretaries often go above and beyond their job descriptions. Take the time to thank them for their hard work and let them know that you appreciate their contributions to the law firm. It costs nothing to do and makes them feel part of the team. If they feel you appreciate them, believe me, they will do what they can for you.
    • Be open to feedback. Secretaries are often in a position to see things that solicitors don’t. If they have a suggestion or a recommendation, be open to hearing it. They may be able to offer valuable insights that can help you to improve your work. I often would give my secretary my bill drafts to review, and other documents to clients. They have founds things I’ve missed and saved me future hassle.

    Here are some additional tips for treating your secretary in a law firm:

    • Be respectful of their time. Don’t expect them to drop everything they’re doing to answer your questions or complete your requests. If you need something urgently, let them know ahead of time.
    • Be organised. If you have a lot of tasks that need to be completed, try to organise them in a way that makes sense for your secretary. This will help them to prioritise their work and to get things done more efficiently.
    • Be flexible. Things don’t always go according to plan, so be prepared to be flexible with your secretary. If they need to adjust their schedule or take on additional work, be understanding and supportive.
    • Be communicative. If you have any questions or concerns about your secretary’s work, be sure to communicate them in a clear and respectful way. This will help to ensure that you’re both on the same page and that any problems can be resolved quickly and easily.

    Essentially, just remember that your secretary is going to be vital to you and treat them with respect and from time to time show them that you value their work and that you appreciate their contributions to the law firm. This will help to create a positive and productive work environment for everyone involved.

  • The Positive Aspects of Taking the Legal Practice Course

    I am sure if you are reading this, you already know quite a bit about The Legal Practice Course (LPC). For those who may not be as familiar, this is a postgraduate qualification that is required for anyone who wants to become a solicitor in England and Wales. There is no sugar coating the fact that it is a demanding course, but it also offers a number of positive aspects that can benefit your career.

    1. Gaining practical skills

    The LPC is focused on the practical skills that lawyers use day to day. This includes skills such as legal research, drafting legal documents, and advocacy, amongst other things. I found that my skills in organisation, priortising and writing improved, mainly due to the fact that you have so much to do in such a short period of time, you need to use these regularly, just to keep you “head above water.” By having these skills you will also be set for your training contract and have a base to go from when you are in the professional legal world!

    2. Networking with other future lawyers

    One of the great benefits is that the LPC is a great opportunity to network with other future lawyers. You will meet people from different law schools and different backgrounds, and you will build relationships that could be valuable in your career. Indeed, my class mates and I had a WhatsApp group where we stayed in touch throughout the time and after the LPC. It was a great source of support and chance to let off steam when things did not go to plan and chat about how everyone else was finding it.

    3. Getting a taste of different areas of law

    The LPC allows you to sample different areas of law. This is a great way to discover which areas of law you are most interested in and which areas you might want to specialise in.

    4. Improving your legal knowledge

    The LPC will give you a deeper understanding of the law and will focus in on areas which before you will only have had an overview, whereas this will focus in and give you a greater understanding.

    5. Opening up new career opportunities

    The LPC can open up new career opportunities. For example, if you are interested in working in the in-house legal department of a company, the LPC will give you the skills and knowledge that you need to be successful in this type of role.

    Conclusion

    The Legal Practice Course is a demanding course, but it also offers a number of positive aspects that can benefit your career and will impact you on a personal level also. Off course, the SQE is now, for the majority the way to go as the LPC route is phased out. However, there are those who will have the choice to do both and I would recommend it. You will develop transferable skills such as communication, problem-solving and teamwork and it will help you grow on both professional and personal levels. If you are able to do the LPC route, it is worth a think.

    Off course, if you have any questions, drop me an email or check me out on instagram!

    Email – hello@learninglawyer.co.uk

    Instagram – @learninglawyeruk

  • How to create a good impression as a Trainee Solicitor.

    During my time as a Trainee I had good days and bad. Some were tougher than others and there were times, I questioned if the legal world was for me. But I pressed on and worked through everything with support from work colleagues and others. Here are a few things I learnt!

    • Be enthusiastic. Show your supervisors that you are eager to learn and that you are interested in the work. This will make you a more enjoyable person to work with and it will also make you more likely to be given challenging assignments.
    • Be proactive. Don’t wait to be told what to do. Take initiative and look for ways to contribute to the team. This will show your supervisors that you are a valuable asset to the firm.
    • Be reliable. Be someone that your supervisors can rely on to get the job done. This means being on time for work, meeting deadlines, and following instructions carefully.
    • Be resilient. The legal profession can be challenging at times. There will be times when you make mistakes and there will be times when you feel overwhelmed. It is important to be able to bounce back from these challenges and to keep moving forward.
    • Be personable. Get to know your colleagues and build relationships with them. This will make your time as a trainee more enjoyable and it will also make it easier for you to ask for help when you need it.
    • Be visible. Make sure that your supervisors and colleagues know that you are there and that you are willing to contribute. This means attending meetings, participating in discussions, and volunteering for new assignments.

    As always, these are just a few things, but it is also worth trying to do some other things which I’ve spoken about before, but I feel they are important.

    • Take good notes. This will help you to remember what you have been taught and to refer back to it later.
    • Ask questions. Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you don’t understand something. Your supervisors and colleagues are there to help you learn.
    • Be organised. This will help you to stay on top of your work and to meet deadlines.
    • Use technology to your advantage.There are many legal technology tools available that can help you to be more efficient and productive.
    • Take care of yourself. The legal profession can be demanding, so it is important to make time for your health and well-being. Get enough sleep, eat healthy foods, and exercise regularly.

    I hope these tips help you to be a successful trainee solicitor.

  • Tips on Staying Organised!

    As a solicitor, you will need to juggle a lot of different tasks and responsibilities. It can be very easy to feel overwhelmed and disorganised. However, there are a few simple things that I have discovered, often the hard way, that you can do to stay on top of things and avoid burnout.

    Here is what I found out, which I hope helps you:-

    1. Create a system for organising your work. This could involve using a physical filing system, a project management tool, or a combination of both. Find a system that works for you and stick to it.
    2. Set deadlines for yourself. This will help you stay on track and avoid procrastination.
    3. Delegate tasks when possible. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from your colleagues or paralegals.
    4. Take breaks throughout the day. Get up and move around, or step outside for some fresh air. This will help you stay focused and avoid fatigue.
    5. Take care of yourself. Make sure you are getting enough sleep, eating as healthy as you can and get some exercise regularly. This will help you stay mentally and physically healthy, which will make it easier to stay organised. Believe me, it sounds easy, but is more difficult than it seems! But it is worth a try and it has helped me a lot.

    Following these tips can help you stay organised and productive as a solicitor. By taking the time to develop a system for organising your work, setting deadlines, delegating tasks, taking breaks, and taking care of yourself, you can avoid burnout and achieve your goals.

    Here are some additional tips that may be helpful:

    • Use a calendar to track deadlines and appointments.
    • Create a to-do list and prioritise your tasks.
    • Use a system for filing documents and records.
    • Keep a notebook or journal to jot down ideas and notes.
    • Take advantage of technology. There are many software programs and apps that can help you stay organised.
    • Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you are feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to reach out to your colleagues, paralegals, or supervisor for assistance.

    The above is not full proof and there are days I struggle but the one thing that I have found to be vital is to keep a physical note of thoughts, cases, calls, things to do or comments made that are important. Despite your best intentions to remember things, your mind and thoughts are going to be pulled in hundreds of directions daily and you will never remember everything. Keep notes!