Life of Newly Qualified UK Lawyer

Category: Self Care

  • The Night Before: Returning to Word After Annual Leave

    The Night Before: Returning to Word After Annual Leave

    The Night Before: Returning to Work After Annual Leave as a Solicitor

    There’s a special kind of Sunday Scaries that hits different when you’ve just had a week (or two, if you’re lucky) off. I find it hits hardest when you have been able to take the full two weeks off in one go. One minute you’re sipping cocktails, reading novels you’ll never admit to your colleagues, and pretending you’ve forgotten what an email is. The next… it’s 9pm, your suitcase is still on the floor, and your brain is running through all the horrors that Monday could bring.

    Sound familiar? Let’s break this down and let me furnish you with a few tricks to make the transition back to the office a little less soul-crushing, whether you’re in the legal field or not – I think it is fair to say this will strike true for most!

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    The Emotional Rollercoaster

    1. The “Inbox Dread” Stage

    You don’t even need to open Outlook to know. The unread count will be there, waiting. Like a digital monster crouched behind your login screen. And even though you had a perfectly lovely time away, you can’t help but wonder if half the profession has collapsed without you. Spoiler: it hasn’t. (Probably.)

    1. The Sudden Productivity Panic

    You’ve just remembered: that matter you swore you’d “pick up after holiday” is now after holiday. Cue lying awake at midnight, mentally drafting attendance notes, while your partner reminds you that whispering “land registry” in your sleep is not normal.

    1. The Existential Reflection

    Why am I even doing this? Maybe I should just move to a Greek island and open a beach bar? I was so much happier not checking emails for a week. (This phase usually lasts until about 11:30am Monday, when you remember you quite like getting paid.)

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    How to Survive the Night Before

    1.	Set a Gentle Landing

    Don’t roll into Monday with back-to-back deadlines. If you can, block out the first hour to just read through your emails and get your bearings. You’ll thank yourself later.

    2.	Unpack More Than the Suitcase

    Empty the mental suitcase too. Write down the three biggest tasks you know are waiting. Getting them out of your head makes them far less intimidating.

    3.	Inbox Triage

    Yes, there will be emails. No, you don’t have to reply to all 274 of them before lunch. Skim, delete, delegate, and prioritise. Remember: not everything that says “URGENT” is actually urgent.

    4.	Keep the Holiday Spirit Alive

    Bring a little of the holiday back with you. Coffee in your favourite mug, lunch outside if it’s not raining (…so, not often), or even setting a holiday photo as your background. It’s a small reminder you’re more than your billable hours.

    5.	Plan Something to Look Forward To

    Whether it’s dinner with a friend mid-week, a swim before work, or simply a nap worthy of a toddler — give yourself a mini “holiday” moment to soften the crash landing.

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    Final Thoughts

    Returning from annual leave as a solicitor can feel like running into a tidal wave of tasks, deadlines, and client demands. But with a little preparation (and a sense of humour), you can keep the Sunday Scaries from taking over. Remember: the inbox will always be full, the diary will always be busy, but your sanity is worth protecting.

    Besides, it’s only a few weeks until your next annual leave request, right?

    ⚖️ Solicitor by day | 🚢 Cruising the seas and navigating the law | Sharing legal tips & travel tales | 📲 Follow my journey on Instagram | Threads | TikTok | BlueSky |

  • The Day Before Annual Leave: A Solicitor’s Survival Guide

    The Day Before Annual Leave: A Solicitor’s Survival Guide

    The Day Before Annual Leave: A Solicitor’s Survival Guide

    There are few feelings more glorious than that “last day before holiday” buzz. You can almost smell the sunscreen, hear the clink of ice in a glass, and feel the warm breeze — until reality smacks you in the face. Because you’re not just you… you’re you the solicitor, or in my case – a private client solicitor. And there are those few clients that still think you should be at their call any time including when you are on annual leave. This just adds got the stress of the 24 hours before annual leave which is less “relaxed packing” and more “triage unit in a war zone”.

    Let’s go through the stages I experience in the 24 hours up to the big event!

    Stage 1. The Inbox Clearance Mission

    The mythical dream is to “get everything done” before you go. The reality? It’s 5:45pm, you’ve been replying to emails since 7am, and your inbox somehow now has more unread messages than it did this morning. You’ve just sent an “I’ll deal with this when I get back” holding reply… and instantly get an “URGENT – NEED THIS TODAY” email marked high importance.

    And yes, it’s from the client who ghosted you for three weeks. Naturally.

    At the end of the day, there is only so much you can do. So, I do what I can – send that holding email and leave it there. If it is something that cannot absolutely wait, then I will ask a colleague to keep things “ticking” over in my absence but I find that most of the time, these matters can wait for a week or two, especially during the summer months, when most other colleagues and court officials are also on leave.

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    Stage 2. The Pre-Holiday Panic Call

    Without fail, the day before you leave, someone will ring you at 4:59pm with:

    “I know you’re going away, but can you just quickly…?”

    No. No, I cannot just quickly. “Quickly” in legal time means anywhere between 45 minutes and a full working day. But instead, you’ll find yourself typing like a caffeinated court reporter, muttering under your breath about how “this will definitely be my last-minute task”. Spoiler: it won’t be.

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    Stage 3. The Hand-Over Dance

    Every solicitor knows the awkward joy of the handover note. It’s like passing on the baton in a relay race… except the baton is on fire, the track is made of Lego, and you’ve “just remembered” a crucial deadline halfway through writing it.

    The trick? Make it detailed enough so your colleague knows what’s going on, but vague enough so if things go wrong, it’s technically a “grey area”.

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    Stage 4. The Pre-Leave Guilt

    Somehow, you’ll start feeling guilty for going away, as if you’re personally betraying the legal profession or that colleague who you have passed some cases over too by daring to spend a week somewhere that isn’t your office or the land registry portal. You’ll catch yourself saying things like:

    “I’ll have my phone if you need me!”

    Don’t do this. We both know you’ll be sipping something fruity on a balcony while pretending to read The Times app.

    ⸻

    Stage 5. The Final Office Sweep

    You know you’re about to be gone for more than a weekend when you start doing “the sweep”:

    •	Delete any mysterious sticky notes that might incriminate you.
•	Check your desk drawer for snacks that may evolve into new lifeforms.
•	Turn off your monitor like you’re locking the front door of Fort Knox.

    And yes, double-check the out-of-office email. You can’t risk last year’s blunder where you accidentally left it saying:

    “I’m on leave until 2019.”

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    Stage 6. The Moment of Liberation

    Finally… it’s time. Laptop shut. Lights off. One last “have a nice holiday!” from the team. You step outside, take a deep breath, and feel the sweet release. For the next week or two, your only deadlines involve SPF reapplication and booking dinner reservations.

    Until you get that one email that says:

    “Hope you’re having a great time — quick question…”

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    Moral of the story: The day before annual leave as a solicitor is a high-stakes, high-speed marathon. But that first cocktail on arrival? Worth. Every. Second.

    ⚖️ Solicitor by day | 🚢 Cruising the seas and navigating the law | Sharing legal tips & travel tales | 📲 Follow my journey on Instagram | Threads | TikTok | BlueSky |

  • What’s It Really Like Being a Solicitor in Northern Ireland?

    What’s It Really Like Being a Solicitor in Northern Ireland?

    Being a solicitor in Northern Ireland isn’t just a job—it’s an experience shaped by unique cultural, professional, and economic dynamics. Whether you’re a trainee just starting out or years into the game, you might have already noticed that the legal landscape here has its fair share of quirks, perks, and challenges.

    But have you ever taken a step back and really thought about what sets it apart?

    The Good Bits (and There Are Plenty)

    A Tight-Knit Legal Community

    Northern Ireland’s legal scene is relatively small, and that can be a real advantage. You’re more than just a number here—colleagues, counsel, and even judges tend to become familiar over time. This kind of close-knit environment can make building relationships, trust, and a professional reputation feel more achievable.

    Have you ever benefited from the closeness of the profession here—or found it a bit too tight for comfort?

    Diverse Work Early On

    Unlike in some larger jurisdictions, junior solicitors in Northern Ireland often gain broad exposure across different practice areas. In a single week, you might touch on conveyancing, wills, litigation, and family matters. It’s a crash course in versatility. This off course will depend on what firm you are training with. Some firms may not venture much into the realms of litigation or criminal law for instance.

    What would you do if you were thrown into a case well outside your comfort zone—embrace the challenge or panic first, learn later?

    Work-Life Balance Potential

    Shorter commutes, lower living costs, and less of the “always-on” culture of bigger cities can make balancing work and life more manageable here—if you’re in the right firm.

    How do you feel about your current balance? Could you imagine trading some prestige for more peace of mind?

    And Then, the Challenges…

    A Competitive, Strained Market

    Let’s not sugar-coat it—legal aid cuts, fee pressure, and an oversupply of graduates make the market tough. Smaller firms in particular can feel the pinch.

    What would you do if your firm began cutting back or restructuring? Are you prepared—or just hoping for the best?

    Mental Load and Burnout

    Solicitors in Northern Ireland face the same long hours, high expectations, and emotionally draining cases as elsewhere—but often with fewer resources. While support is improving, talking about burnout still feels taboo in many circles.

    How do you deal with the emotional toll of the job? Is there enough space to talk honestly about wellbeing in your workplace?

    So… Is It Worth It?

    The answer will differ for everyone. Some days, the work is meaningful, the pace rewarding, and the people around you make it all worthwhile. Other days? Well, we all know how those go.

    If you could go back to day one of your legal career—would you still choose this path? Or has it made you rethink what you really want from your work and life?

    ⚖️ Solicitor by day | 🚢 Cruising the seas and navigating the law | Sharing legal tips & travel tales | 📲 Follow my journey on Instagram | Threads | TikTok | BlueSky |

  • 🎩 The Conveyancer’s Survival Guide: Dealing with the Dreaded Difficult Opponent 🎩

    🎩 The Conveyancer’s Survival Guide: Dealing with the Dreaded Difficult Opponent 🎩

    Ah, conveyancing — the noble dance of property transactions. A world that involved land registry, client hand-holding, and the eternal wait for the missing management pack or forgotten searches! (I am off course not entirely innocent in this, but for the purposes of writing this post, lets assume I am perfect!)

    But nothing — and I mean nothing — tests the patience of a conveyancing solicitor quite like dealing with that solicitor on the other side. You know the one. They treat email replies like fine wine (must mature for 5-7 working days), CC their entire firm in every correspondence (OK a bit of an exaggeration), and will die on the hill of a missing “the” in the contract.

    So grab your de-caff tea, straighten your tie (or hoodie, no judgment), and let’s dive into the delightfully awkward ballet of dealing with difficult counterparts in conveyancing.

    🏠 The Curious Case of the Unresponsive Solicitor

    Let’s start with the classic: The Phantom. They vanish for days, only to return with a one-line email asking for a document you sent last Tuesday—twice.

    Survival Tip:

    Forward the original email with attachments and a cheery note like:

    “Just in case the document got lost in the property dimension 😊”

    Bonus points if you reference Mercury being in retrograde.

    📞 The Over-Talker

    These folks call instead of emailing. A lot. They begin with the weather, detour through Brexit (in the good old days, more likely this hot weather at the moment in the UK), and eventually meander their way to asking if the searches are back.

    Survival Tip:

    Politely steer the conversation like a canal boat captain. Try:

    “Lovely to catch up! Let’s pop it in writing so we’ve got a clear trail for both clients. I’ll follow up now.”

    Then swiftly hang up and run for caffeine.

    ⚖️ The Drama Queen (or King)

    They threaten to collapse the deal over something very simple and fixable with the appropriate indemnity insurance policy. They use phrases like “wholly unacceptable” and “deeply concerning” about something which in the grand scheme of things should not even being discussed by solicitors.

    Survival Tip:

    Channel your inner yoga instructor. Breathe in calm, breathe out sarcasm. Reply factually, not emotionally.

    And if it gets too much, remember: the delete button is only symbolic for your feelings. Not legally binding.

    💌 The Passive-Aggressive Emailer

    You’ll spot them by their signature move:

    “As previously stated…”

    Or worse, the triple full stop…

    Survival Tip:

    Match their tone? No. Rise above it, but with flair.

    Try:

    “Thanks for your email. Just to confirm, we’re on the same page here…” or gently remind them we are all working towards the same goal – sale/purchase of a house that everyone wants to complete.

    Sprinkle in a smiley face if you’re feeling spicy. 😊

    😎 Top Tips for Navigating the Conveyancing Jungle

    1. Keep Records Like a Victorian Archivist – Every email, every call. You never know when you’ll need to play the “well actually…” card.
    2. Use Templates – The best armour is a good standard reply. Saves time and emotional energy. I also use an app called TextExpander but there are alternatives – saves a huge amount of time for phrases, emails or text you use often.
    3. Celebrate Small Wins – Completion statement balanced? Reward yourself with a biscuit.
    4. Practice Legal Mindfulness – Repeat after me: “It’s just a house. It’s just a house. It’s just a house…”
    5. Vent (Responsibly) – Group chat rants are essential. Just don’t accidentally reply all. Talk to the legal secretaries, have a fellow colleague whom you can trust and vent too.

    🏁 Final Thoughts

    Working with a difficult solicitor is part of the great UK conveyancing experience. Like rain in July or overcooked tea—annoying, inevitable, and vaguely comforting in its predictability.

    So next time you find yourself staring at an email that reads like a Jane Austen rejection letter, just smile. Remember: You’re the reasonable one. The calm, capable, caffeine-fuelled legal wizard bringing people closer to their dream home—despite the chaos.

    Now go forth and complete! 🏡

    ⚖️ Solicitor by day | 🚢 Cruising the seas and navigating the law | Sharing legal tips & travel tales | 📲 Follow my journey on Instagram | Threads | TikTok | BlueSky |

  • Coping with Failure in Law Exams: SQE1, LPC, and Beyond.

    Coping with Failure in Law Exams: SQE1, LPC, and Beyond.

    It is that time of year where results from SQE are published as well as in Northern Ireland the IPLS. Failure in a law exam—whether it’s the SQE1, LPC, IPLS or any other legal qualification—can feel like a gut punch! And I have had my own fair share of those. After all you’ve put in hours of study, sacrificed sleep (and perhaps sanity), and then, the dreaded result arrives. But here’s the truth: failing an exam doesn’t define you as a lawyer, nor does it mean your legal career is over. It’s a setback, not a life sentence.

    So here are my thoughts and musings on this, just to add my money’s worth to all the other sears who have posted similar elsewhere.

    1. Allow Yourself to Feel Disappointed (Briefly)

    Failing a law exam is frustrating, and it’s okay to feel disappointed. Allow yourself a short period to process the result—whether that means venting to a friend, indulging in comfort food, or spending a day sulking. But set a time limit. The longer you dwell on the failure, the harder it becomes to bounce back.

    2. Reframe the Narrative

    Many successful lawyers have failed exams along the way. Some of the brightest legal minds have faced setbacks but went on to achieve incredible careers. Failing an exam is not proof that you’re not cut out for law; it’s simply proof that you need a new strategy.

    3. Analyze What Went Wrong

    This part is crucial. Understanding why you failed is the key to passing next time. Ask yourself:

    • Did I underestimate the difficulty of the exam?
    • Was my study technique ineffective?
    • Did I run out of time during the exam?
    • Was stress or burnout a factor?
    • Do I need extra support (e.g., tutoring, study groups, or better materials)?

    If possible, review your exam performance breakdown to identify weak areas. For example, in SQE1, were multiple-choice questions your downfall? In the LPC, was it essay structure or legal drafting? In the IPLS where it uses negative marking, what areas did you come short on? Again was it just a time issue?

    4. Adapt Your Study Strategy

    Once you’ve identified what went wrong, tweak your approach. Some key adjustments might include:

    • Active Learning: Swap passive reading for problem-solving exercises and practice questions.
    • Timed Practice: Simulate exam conditions to improve time management.
    • Structured Study Plan: Stick to a timetable that covers all key topics.
    • Seek Help: Join a study group, find a tutor, or use online resources. Speak to others who succeeded and ask for their advice and tips.

    5. Take Care of Your Mental Well-being

    Failure can knock your confidence, but your mindset plays a massive role in success. Avoid the downward spiral of self-doubt by focusing on self-care:

    • Maintain a balanced routine with breaks and exercise.
    • Speak to others who’ve been in your shoes.
    • Stay positive and keep perspective—this is just one step in a long career.

    6. Plan Your Comeback

    Failing once doesn’t mean failing forever. Set a clear, structured plan for your next attempt, incorporating what you’ve learned. Set realistic but ambitious goals, and remind yourself why you started this journey in the first place.

    7. Remember: You Are Not Alone

    Legal exams are tough, and failing one is more common than you might think. Reach out to peers, mentors, or online legal communities for support and motivation.

    Keep going—your legal career is still very much within reach!

    Don’t forget to check me out and sign up

    ⚖️ Solicitor by day | 🚢 Cruising the seas and navigating the law | Sharing legal tips & travel tales | 📲 Follow my journey on Instagram | Threads | TikTok | BlueSky |

  • Staying Healthy as a Solicitor: How I Balance Fitness with a Stationary Job

    Staying Healthy as a Solicitor: How I Balance Fitness with a Stationary Job

    As you can probably guess, being a solicitor often means long hours at a desk, endless emails, and the occasional existential crisis over a poorly drafted contract or crying havoc and slipping the dogs of war over poorly drafted special conditions included in a contract to make your life more difficult. It’s a career that demands mental stamina, but what about physical health? Staying fit in a job where movement is mostly limited to pacing during phone calls (or dramatically standing up to make a point in a meeting) can be a challenge. As I get older and realise that trying to maintain some kind of work/health balance is important, here is what works for me. Needless to say, that what will and may work for you could differ – so take this with a pinch of salt.

    Swimming: My 6.30 AM Sanity Check

    Four days a week, before the emails start piling up, I hit the pool for a 45-minute swim. Why swimming? Because it’s a full-body workout that doesn’t destroy my joints (unlike my last attempt at running, which ended in an undignified limp). It also forces me to disconnect – no phone, no emails, just me, the water, and a deep regret that I didn’t sleep longer. Added to that – I simply enjoy it – I remind myself of the male version of Gloria the Hippo swimming up and down the pool. 😂

    Swimming has become my non-negotiable. It wakes me up, gets my body moving, and gives me a mental edge for the day ahead. There is something about gliding through the water that makes dealing with the day ahead and deadlines just a little bit easier.

    Protein Drinks: Fuel Without the Fuss

    Lawyering is time-consuming, and meal prep often feels like an impossible dream. Enter my solution for breakfast – a protein drink such as Huel Black Edition – a protein-packed drink with the added nutrients I need and acts as my nutritional safety net. It’s quick, keeps me full, and stops me from reaching for yet another coffee-and-biscuit combo. I also use other protein drinks and yoghurts and the reason I mention Huel is simply that a bottle is sitting beside me as I write this. (No sponsorship – yet! Although a few freebies would be appreciated if anyone from Huel by some miracle actually spot this lol). Anyway, use what you like and enjoy and can stick to. Feel free to use my link to help us both out – £15 off

    With long client meetings and court deadlines, having a protein drink on hand means I don’t have to rely on whatever questionable sandwich has been ordered in or that I pick up at a shop close to the office. It keeps my energy levels stable and helps with post-swim recovery. Plus, it spares me from posing the question at 12noon – “What should I eat?” A decision which has to be made and that plagues every busy professional.

    Staying Active in a Desk-Bound Job

    Even with a morning swim, being glued to a desk for hours isn’t great for my health (or posture). So, I make small adjustments:

    1. Walking Calls – If I don’t need to be in front of my screen, I walk while I talk. It also helps me think for some reason and keep any rage that stems from the call on check.
    2. Stretch Breaks – The legal profession is already stiff enough; no need for my back to join in.
    3. Standing Desk Moments – Occasionally, I pretend I’m a high-powered litigator arguing a case, while just responding to emails standing up. Bearing in mind I am a Conveyancing and Private Client solicitor.

    Why It Works for Me

    This routine isn’t about becoming a fitness guru or preparing for the Olympics, it’s about sustainability. By swimming and fuelling my body properly, I feel sharper, more focused, and less likely to burn out. It’s about balance, and as a solicitor, I know that balance is everything.

    So, if you’re in a job that keeps you at a desk all day, find what works for you. Whether it’s swimming, protein drinks, or just taking the stairs instead of the lift – every little bit helps. And trust me, your future self (and your spine) will thank you.

    What do you do to stay healthy in a stationary job? Let me know in the comments!

    Hopefully, what I have learned the hard way, someone will use to their own advantage and avoid the pit falls I have experience.

    ⚖️ Solicitor by day | 🚢 Cruising the seas and navigating the law | Sharing legal tips & travel tales | 📲 Follow my journey on Instagram | Threads | TikTok | BlueSky |

  • Back to the Grind: A Solicitor’s Guide to Post-Holiday Blues

    Returning to work after a relaxing holiday can be a bittersweet experience. While it’s great to be back in familiar surroundings, and back to routine, the transition can often be challenging. Solicitors, in particular, face unique pressures and stresses as they dive back into their demanding workloads. In this post, I want to highlight some common hurdles I and other colleagues have encountered and offer practical tips to help you overcome the post-holiday blues and transition smoothly back into your professional life.

    Common Challenges for Solicitors Returning to Work

    • Overwhelming Workload: This is one that I dread and the daunting feeling starts to mount on the day before I go back to work. The thought of returning to a backlog of emails, court case updates, and client meetings can be daunting. This sudden influx of tasks can lead to feelings of stress and anxiety.
    • Difficulty Focusing: After weeks of relaxation, it can be difficult to concentrate and maintain productivity. Distractions and a lack of motivation may hinder your ability to focus on your work.
    • Jet Lag and Fatigue: For those who traveled to different time zones, jet lag can take a toll on your energy levels and concentration. This physical fatigue can make it challenging to adjust to regular work hours.
    • Emotional Letdown: The transition from a carefree vacation to the demands of work can cause emotional letdown. This can lead to feelings of sadness, frustration, or even burnout.

    Tips for a Smooth Transition

    1. Plan Ahead: Before you leave for vacation, take the time to organise your workload and delegate tasks whenever possible. This will help reduce the stress of returning to a mountain of work.
    2. Set Realistic Expectations: Don’t expect to be immediately productive upon your return. Allow yourself some time to adjust to your regular routine.
    3. Prioritise and Delegate: Once you’re back at work, prioritise your tasks and delegate whenever possible. Focus on completing the most urgent and important tasks first.
    4. Take Breaks and Practice Self-Care: Schedule regular breaks throughout the day to rest and recharge. Engage in activities that promote relaxation and well-being, such as exercise and always take your full lunch break. Use it to chat with colleagues and get away from your screen and desk. The temptation will be to work through lunch, but believe me, you need to take that break!
    5. Seek Help: Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it, in particular, if there are urgent tasks that need done and there is a time frame in which they done. Do not suffer in silence and let things slide.

    This is by no means an exhaustive list, but just some of the things I have found. Perhaps these can help you and I am always keen to hear from you! Email or contact me through social media!

    Links to Social Media Accounts

    Instagram – @learninglawyeruk

    Twitter – @LearningLawyer

    Threads – @learninglawyeruk

  • Navigating Law Exam Finals with Confidence: Tips and Strategies for Success.

    As a past law student, I know that finals can be one of the most challenging and stressful times in the life of a potential solicitor. The volume of material, the complexity of legal concepts, and the pressure to perform can feel overwhelming. However, with the right approach, preparation, and mindset, you can tackle your law exam finals confidently and successfully. Here are some practical tips and advice to help you navigate this crucial period.

    1. Start Early and Plan Ahead

    Procrastination is the enemy of success, especially when it comes to law exams. Start your preparation early to give yourself ample time to review and understand the material. Create a detailed study schedule that outlines what you need to study and when. Breaking down the material into manageable chunks can make the task seem less daunting and help you stay organised.

    2. Understand the Exam Format

    Different law exams may have different formats, such as multiple-choice questions, essays, or practical problem-solving scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the format of each exam you’ll be taking. Practice past exam papers or sample questions to get a feel for the structure and types of questions that may be asked. This will help you manage your time effectively during the actual exam.

    3. Create Effective Study Materials

    Summarise your notes, create outlines, and develop flashcards for key concepts and cases. Highlight important information and use mnemonics to remember complex details. These study materials will be invaluable for quick reviews and reinforcing your understanding of the subject matter.

    4. Join Study Groups

    Collaborating with peers in study groups can be highly beneficial. Discussing and explaining concepts to others can deepen your understanding and reveal different perspectives. Study groups can also provide moral support and keep you motivated during the intense exam preparation period.

    5. Focus on Key Areas

    Identify the most important topics and areas that are likely to be tested. Lecturers often emphasise certain subjects during lectures, and past exam papers can give you insights into recurring themes. Prioritise these areas in your study plan to ensure you cover the critical material thoroughly.

    6. Practice Writing Essays

    The exams often require well-structured and articulate essays. Practice writing essays under timed conditions to improve your writing skills and speed. Pay attention to clarity, coherence, and logical flow of arguments. Ensure you address the question directly and support your answers with relevant legal principles and cases.

    7. Stay Healthy

    Your physical and mental well-being is crucial during exam preparation. Maintain a healthy diet, get regular exercise, and ensure you get enough sleep. Taking care of your body will help you stay focused, energised, and able to retain information more effectively.

    8. Manage Stress

    Stress is a natural part of the exam process, but it’s important to manage it effectively. Practice relaxation techniques, something which I was never good at. I know some friends did yoga, gym or I just took the dog for a walk or went for a swim. Take regular breaks during study sessions to clear your mind and avoid burnout. Remember, a calm and focused mind is more productive.

    9. Seek Support

    Don’t hesitate to seek support from tutors, uni staff, mentors or fellow students if you’re feeling overwhelmed. They can provide guidance, someone to talk too and provide clarity.

  • Navigating Burnout: Some Thoughts for Newly Qualified Solicitors.

    As a fairly newly qualified solicitors embarking on my own legal career, the excitement of entering the profession can sometimes overshadow the potential challenges ahead. One such challenge that often arises is burnout. This, put simply is a “state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress.” I became very aware of this both from my own personal experience and from that of friends so I researched strategies for newly qualified solicitors to avoid burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

    1. Recognise the Signs: It’s essential for newly qualified solicitors to recognise the signs of burnout early on. These signs may include chronic fatigue, lack of motivation, feelings of cynicism or detachment, and reduced effectiveness at work. By being aware of these symptoms, you can take proactive steps to address them before burnout escalates.
    2. Set Boundaries: Establishing clear boundaries between work and personal life is crucial for preventing burnout. While it’s important to be dedicated to your work, it’s equally important to prioritise self-care and leisure activities outside of work hours. Setting limits on working hours, scheduling regular breaks, and disconnecting from work emails and phone calls during off-hours can help maintain a healthy balance. As I found out this is often more difficult in practice but can and must be done.
    3. Manage Workload: As a newly qualified solicitor you may feel pressure to prove yourself and take on heavy workloads, which is what I found myself doing. However, it’s essential to manage workload effectively to prevent burnout. This may involve learning to delegate tasks, prioritising responsibilities, and communicating with colleagues and supervisors about workload concerns. Learning to say no when necessary is also important for maintaining a manageable workload.
    4. Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to seek support from colleagues, mentors, or supervisors if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Many law firms offer support programs or resources for managing stress and promoting well-being. Additionally, cultivating a strong support network of friends, family, and peers can provide valuable emotional support during challenging times.
    5. Practice Self-Care: Engaging in regular self-care activities is essential for preventing burnout. This may include exercise, meditation, hobbies, or spending time with loved ones.
    6. Develop Coping Strategies: Developing healthy coping strategies for managing stress is essential for preventing burnout. This may involve mindfulness techniques, relaxation exercises, or seeking professional counseling if needed. Finding what works best for you and incorporating these strategies into your daily routine can help build resilience and prevent burnout.
    7. Maintain Perspective: Remember that your worth as a solicitor is not solely determined by your work performance. It’s important to maintain perspective and recognise that everyone experiences setbacks and challenges in their careers. Don’t be too hard on yourself, and remember to celebrate your achievements along the way.

    Whilst it is easy to write these things down and recognise that they are worth doing, like myself, putting some or all will prove difficult to do for one reason or another. Try easing into one or two and see how it goes. Trust me it’s worth a shot!