In this article, we shine the spotlight on one of our Trainee Solicitors, Cristyn Evans.
Cristyn talks about a typical day as a trainee solicitor at Lamb Brooks; discussing the experiences and opportunities which she may be exposed to.
I am currently in the final seat of my Training Contract in the Private Client Department. My previous seats were Clinical Negligence and a split seat in the Employment and the Company & Commercial Department.
What a Typical Day Might Look Like for Cristyn
9:00 – When I arrive at the office, before I start any tasks, I get my computer set up, check my emails and fill my water bottle. Hydration through the day is key!
I usually have a mix of tasks in my emails and from physical files so I like to amalgamate all of this into a single to-do list so I can see how much work I have on and what needs to be prioritised. Also, if I know I have a task that needs doing and it will take up a big chunk of time I will time block my calendar for the day.
10:00 – The first part of my day can often be spent drafting. This can be Lasting Power of Attorney forms, Wills or letters to companies on a new probate matter. If I need to make calls to HMRC or DWP on other matters I often do this at the same time as there are often long hold times so I can get more done in this time period.
13:00 – At lunch I like to go for a walk to get some fresh air or if the weather is nice, as I keep a picnic rug in my office, I will go to the park with some of my colleagues and we sit in the sun and chat which is a nice break.
14:00 – My afternoons vary but I may have a new client meeting to discuss a Will being prepared or be visiting a property that is part of the Estate of a probate matter, checking the property for the insurers.
15:00 – I then update client matters based on correspondence that has come in. On Estate matters this is usually the Schedule of Assets and Liabilities when companies send in financial information or the personal and contact information for deputyship/LPA forms so that the applications can be progressed.
17:30 – At the end of the day I do a quick check to see if there is anything I need to prioritise when I get in first thing the next day and note this in my calendar.
When I leave, I often have plans to see my nephews and niece as family is very important to me. If I am not with family, I will chill out and read a book or watch one of the many crime TV shows I am partway through.
Three top tips for Trainees:
- Managing Expectations – part of being a trainee is learning to manage and balance the expectations of the clients you are dealing with and the various work you are given by colleagues. Learn what your capacity is, how to prioritise work accordingly, and how to effectively communicate this.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions – I found that taking initiative and doing a task independently is good for learning but there are times when it is just best to ask and get clarity – if a task you are asked to complete isn’t clear or you can’t see how to complete it, there is nothing wrong with checking!
- Knowledge is Power – be willing to learn, even if you spend time in a seat, you are sure isn’t for you. Areas of law have a lot of crossovers, so the experience you gain in one area will help in another.
What is it like to be a Trainee Solicitor?
I have really enjoyed being a Trainee Solicitor. It is an opportunity to learn about multiple areas and figure out where you want to qualify. At times, it can be daunting, particularly when you join a new team and are starting in an area you know little about, but my colleagues in each area helped with the transition, and you do find your rhythm.
Have you known from a young age that you wanted to become a solicitor?
I had thought about being a Solicitor when I was doing my A-levels but as I wasn’t sure I decided to do a Politics degree at university and then if I finished my degree and it still felt like the right step I would do my law conversion which is what I did and I am now a trainee set to qualify later this year!
Before your Training Contract did you have an idea of which area of law you would like to qualify into?
Before I studied law, I thought I wanted to go into Family Law but from studying it I realised it wasn’t for me. However, I did became particularly interested in Employment Law, but I wasn’t sure what it would be like in practice and whether I wanted to work in a contentious area so getting the opportunity have it as one of my seats helped me figure out what was right for me.
How much interaction do you have with clients?
A decent part of my time is spent interacting with clients. This can be in face-to-face meetings with new clients or corresponding with clients via email or telephone to progress their matter.
What kind of legal matters are you working on at the moment?
At the moment my work is quite varied. I am assisting with some probate matters, Will drafting, applications to the Court of Protection for deputies and leading on registrations to the Office of the Public Guardian for Enduring Powers of Attorney.
What is the most challenging aspect about being a trainee solicitor?
I found that the most challenging thing was starting a new seat. I wasn’t quite as prepared for the transition as I thought I would be. Moving into a new seat and jumping into work you have only a little experience in or have only studied the theory of is challenging but that is part of being a trainee and why you have to be able to adapt and take it in stride.
What have you enjoyed the most about your experience so far?
Working as a trainee gives you a very unique opportunity. Because you move seats you get the variety of working in different areas, usually helping more than one fee earner so the breadth of work you can see in one seat may be more than what you will cover when you qualify. I think I have enjoyed getting to figure out where I want to qualify by working in multiple areas as it wasn’t what I was expecting when I started.
What 3 skills do you think are needed to shine as a trainee solicitor?
- Communication Skills
- Organisation
- Initiative
What advice would you give to someone applying for Training Contracts?
When you applying don’t feel like you can’t be yourself. If you have something unique about you that makes you stand out or is a good talking point mention it in your applications or weave it into conversation during interviews.
How will you celebrate when you qualify?
I am planning to have a party with all of my family and friends. It is as much to celebrate qualifying as it is a thank you to everyone who supported me.
What’s next? Do you have any future career plans or goals once you have qualified?
I am hoping to qualify into Private Client and after a few years of practice I would like to further my qualifications in the area.