So, you’ve completed your Law degree, passed the Institute of Professional Legal Studies entrance exam, survived the interviews and succeeded in securing a training contract with a legal firm. But how do you make the most of your two years as a Trainee solicitor?
Anna McNulty, now an Associate at Arthur Cox having completed her training contract with the Belfast law firm last month, offers some advice.
Ask questions: The tasks you are given as a new trainee are likely to be completely new to you, therefore never feel afraid to ask questions. However, it is always more impressive to show that you have attempted to apply your mind to the issue first, allowing you to ask more informed questions while suggesting possible solutions.
Take ownership of tasks: It may seem like you are being asked to help with a very small part of a huge transaction, but you should never underestimate the importance of ensuring you carry out your tasks with acute attention to detail. You will prove yourself to be an invaluable asset to the firm and someone to be relied upon to deliver over and above what is expected.
Make lists: It’s essential that you make a note of your instructions to ensure you have recorded everything asked of you. Making to-do lists is an effective way to manage your workload, prioritise effectively and ensure you haven’t missed anything.
Communicate: Trainees receive work from many different people throughout the firm. Try to be as helpful as possible, but speak up if your workload becomes unmanageable. Arthur Cox runs a mentoring programme so that new trainees have all the help and guidance they require.
Work as a team: The attitude in my intake was ‘never leave a [wo]man behind’! If you have capacity and a fellow Trainee is really busy, help them out. Second year trainees are also a great source of advice for new trainees.
Arthur Cox is hosting a Trainee Open Night for 2017 recruitment which will take place in its Belfast city centre office on Wednesday, October, 26 at 6.30pm. The event offers students the chance to engage with the team and gain information about the trainee opportunities at Arthur Cox, as well as taking part in a CV and interview skills workshop. Email eventsni@arthurcox.com or call 028 9023 0007 for more information.