In this article, we shine the spotlight on one of our Trainee Solicitors, Laura Southwell.
Laura 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 my first seat of my Training contract in the Family Department, having previously worked as a paralegal in the Dispute Resolution Department.
What a Typical Day Might Look Like for Laura
Arriving at the Office
8:45am – I like to arrive at the office slightly before 9.00am to give me time to review any emails that have come in overnight and prepare a to-do list, prioritising tasks accordingly. I also use this time to update my Qualified Work Experience log with tasks completed the previous day.
Morning
9:00am – 1:00pm - My mornings usually involve a varied mix of tasks. This can include preparing bundles for upcoming hearings, drafting consent orders, or completing statements of information in support of a consent order. The variety keeps the work interesting and ensures that no two mornings are the same.
Lunch
1:00pm – I usually bring my lunch into the office. As my exams are approaching, I sometimes use this time for some extra revision.
Afternoon
2:00pm – 5:00pm - The afternoon is often spent dealing with any required amendments to documents or responding to new enquiries and assisting with any matters that arise.
End of the working day
5:00pm – Towards the end of the day, I review my to-do list to ensure that any outstanding tasks are highlighted to be carried over to the next day. I also make sure that my time recording for the day is accurate and up to date. I usually leave the office at around 5:30pm. Once home, I either relax by watching TV or head out for a run, weather permitting.
Three Top Tips:
- Organisation: Staying on top of your workload and maintaining a clear to-do list allows you to work more efficiently and productively throughout the day.
- Ask Questions: You are not expected to know everything. When I am unsure about a task, I try to attempt it first, explain my initial thoughts to my supervisor, and then ask for guidance. This shows initiative while ensuring the work is completed correctly.
- Make the most of your seat rotation: Even if you already have an idea of the area you would like to qualify into, each seat offers invaluable transferable skills that will benefit you in any department.
What is it like to be a Trainee Solicitor?
I have really enjoyed my time as a trainee solicitor so far. I have been fortunate to gain a wide range of experiences, from observing multi-day court hearings to managing my own files and building strong client relationships. Although changing seats and joining a new team — particularly in an unfamiliar area of law — can feel overwhelming at first, it is an incredibly rewarding experience with supportive and experienced colleagues to learn from.
Have you known from a young age that you wanted to become a solicitor?
I have always been interested in analysing evidence and understanding cases, sparked by watching crime documentaries. After attending a talk at sixth form about a career in law, my interest developed further. I took a slightly different route from many trainees, as my undergraduate degree was in History and Archaeology. This gave me strong foundations in critical thinking and factual analysis, which proved invaluable when I later completed my Master’s law conversion course.
Before your Training Contract did you have an idea of which area of law you would like to qualify into?
Before starting in litigation, I would never have considered contentious work. However, I quickly discovered that I really enjoyed it. The fast-paced nature and constantly evolving approach kept me on my toes, and I found the work both varied and interesting.
How much interaction do you have with clients?
I have a lot of interaction with clients: attending client meetings with the solicitors in the department, accompanying clients to court hearings, and communicating with clients daily by email and telephone.
What kind of legal maters are you working on at the moment?
I am currently working on a variety of matters; we have had a few divorce cases recently come to a settlement, which involves drafting and finalising consent orders to be uploaded to the court and also some Children Arrangement matters.
What is the most challenging aspect about being a trainee solicitor?
I have found the most challenging aspect would be the first couple of months in your new seat. I had not previously studied family law during my Master’s law conversion course, nor is it covered in the SQE, so starting this seat without prior knowledge was initially daunting. However, by reviewing files, asking questions, and attending client meetings, I was able to build my understanding quickly. Balancing full-time work alongside SQE study can also be demanding.
What have you enjoyed most about your experiences so far?
I have enjoyed the variety of work that I have been exposed to and the autonomy which I have been given on certain matters.
What three skills do you think are needed to shine as a trainee solicitor?
- Initiative
- Dependability
- Conversational skills
What advice would you give to someone applying for a Training Contract?
Demonstrate a genuine passion for qualifying into law, even if you are unsure which department you would like to specialise in.
How will you celebrate when you qualify?
After celebrating with my family, I am planning a holiday somewhere warm with a sandy beach.
What’s next? Do you have any future career plans or goals once qualified?
I am hoping to qualify into Litigation after gaining experience, and potentially work towards obtaining High Rights of Audience Qualification.
