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.
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