Before the role
Before starting my training contract with MD Law, I had just finished my law degree at Sheffield Hallam University. I had completed a one-day-a-week placement at DLA Piper, but had never had a ‘legal job’ before, so I was excited to get started and have my own responsibilities.
Fast forward, I am now six weeks into my first seat in insolvency, and I am using terms on a day-to-day basis that cropped up during the two weeks of insolvency lectures I had.
The first few days
I hit the ground running with a full day in court observing three hearings. It was an eye-opener into the contentious nature of this seat and an introduction to the type of work I would be undertaking over the next six months.
Back at the office, I was thrown straight into the deep end and tasked with preparing a large mediation bundle, needed by the end of the week. Not only did I have to comprehend complex documents and find the relevant information, but I was also learning how to use the case management system, the house style, Adobe, and email etiquette. This was a challenge I initially felt was very overwhelming; adapting to the complex and technical nature of insolvency, mixed with learning how to be a trainee.
I was pleasantly surprised to see that the work I was undertaking in my first week would be used by the firm. Although daunting, and while I was lacking confidence in my own ability, it was reassuring to know that those around me trusted me to prepare such important documents.
How am I feeling now?
Now, in my sixth week at the firm, I am still learning, although it is clear to see how much I have learnt. I felt as though I had to be a sponge – just absorbing as much as I can. When I think back to my first week, when terms and acronyms seemed foreign, I now understand the relevance of the tasks I am completing and can comprehend the bigger picture of the case.
The large amount of client contact I have been exposed to has been a really enjoyable part of the role so far. This has challenged me to act professionally and reactively while in a client-facing environment at such an early stage. I am proud to be representing MD Law and contributing to growing successful client relationships.
I have also had a chance to reflect within myself and notice my own strengths and weaknesses. It has been a big culture shock, going from university, where praise and detailed feedback were given in bucketloads, to now, when only really the ‘negatives’ are noticed and mentioned. Although it is important to appreciate that these are not ‘negatives’; instead, they must be seen as constructive criticism that is essential for my growth as a trainee. I am eager to please and sometimes get disheartened by feedback, but I am learning not to take things to heart and remind myself that this is part of the learning curve.
Skill development
Additionally, on reflection, there are a few key skills and attributes that I have developed significantly throughout the first six weeks:
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Using my initiative
Using my initiative has been essential during my first few weeks. Just taking a step back and asking myself, ‘what are they asking me to do?’ has saved me from making some embarrassing mistakes! Really trying to be one step ahead and making notes in my diary about what could crop up has really helped me be on top of my workload. -
To ask questions
Asking questions has been essential to developing as a trainee; I am not supposed to know everything straightaway. I have really had to remember that no question is a silly question! However, I have learnt to be prepared when asking those questions; it is important to research, be prepared, and try to work out the answer for yourself before asking. I have found that this approach has helped me understand the topic/task more clearly, and the question soon becomes less ‘silly’. -
Building my resilience
You are not going to get things right on your first attempt and are bound to have feedback that makes you doubt your ability. What I have had to remember is that if that feedback wasn’t given, I wouldn’t be able to learn and develop. That ‘bounce-back’ attitude is so important as a trainee.
Reflection
I have made my fair share of mistakes, but I need to remember that, as stated in my job title, I am a trainee. I am still learning, and making mistakes is a key part of learning that will consolidate the foundations of my legal career. I have thoroughly enjoyed being thrown in the deep end and facing the challenges of applying the skills I developed throughout my law degree into the role of a trainee. MD Law have been very welcoming, especially the fellow trainees, which has made this transition so much smoother.
Again, although I have learnt so much just in the first six weeks, I know I still have a lot further to go. The vast range of cases and the fast-paced nature of insolvency means I will be challenged and kept on my toes throughout the rest of my seat.
Now, time for an even more challenging step: I have just commenced my SQE studies alongside my training contract. I am eager to see how my resilience is tested over the next two years!
