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Working for us - a trainee's perspective ( six months to go!)

My name is Sarah Smith, I am 27 and originally from Southampton.

During University I obtained part time work as a Legal Secretary to fund my studies. During this time I worked for a number of law firms, both large commercial firms and smaller practices, across a range of departments. This experience gave me an insight into the law and demonstrated the importance of relationships built on competence, understanding and communication.

Having graduated from The University of Southampton with a 1st degree in Geography, I applied for the law conversion course, in order to train to be a Solicitor.

As most law firms interview trainees two years in advance of starting at a firm, I started to apply for training contracts early. My experience as a Legal Secretary meant I could appreciate exactly what I sought from a law firm. Namely: somewhere not so large it was impersonal, but with a broad range of services so that I might obtain varied experience during my training. CGM also had an excellent reputation for its client relationships and a supportive and friendly culture.

Based in the south, CGM offers both private and commercial services to a range of diverse clients. This was assurance that I would gain a wealth of experience whilst also sharpening my business, legal and interpersonal skills.

CGM has an intake of trainees each year, usually around September. The firm offers seats in a number of areas including residential and commercial property, family law, criminal law, civil litigation and private client work. These seats are rotated amongst the offices depending on the departments and individual preferences.

So two years later, having spent two years doing the law conversion course and the Legal Practice Course I arrived at the Southampton office for my first day in September 2006.

The first week of my training was spent on an induction programme allowing me to familiarise myself with the office systems and of course the staff. This gave me an insight into each department, as well as an overview of the firm as a whole.

My first seat lasted four months and was in residential property. I was able to put into practice everything I had learned at law school; however there were lots of practical aspects that I did not learn at law school, which only hands on experience, could teach me. I had an excellent supervising partner who took valuable time to explain to me the finer points of the law, various procedures and allowed me to sit in on client meetings. During this seat I gained experience in investigating title deeds, meeting with clients, drafting contracts for sale of property and transfer deeds, together with post completion matters such as registering our clients as new owners of the property.

My second seat was in family law. We have a large family department which encompasses matrimonial and ancillary matters, mental health issues and childcare matters. During this seat I was able to take instructions from clients, draft briefs to counsel, draft divorce petitions, and generally prepare trial documents. The seat required a large amount of client and third party contact, and my confidence in communicating definitely increased. I regularly attended court with clients and counsel, which was extremely exciting, and I have had the opportunity of practising my advocacy during District Judges appointments. As we deal with a wide range of children work, I often attended family planning meetings and child protection conferences. Whilst completing mental health work I had to visit clients in hospital and glean their instructions with regard to whether they should come off their section. This type of work can be unsettling, but I enjoyed dealing with a wide range of different people.

I am now in my third seat in the private client department. I am in our Hythe office which is a smaller satellite office, and therefore a different experience to the main office in Southampton. During this seat I have gained experience in will drafting and a wide range of other probate and tax matters. As one of only two solicitor’s firms in Hythe, we get a considerable range of work coming through the door, and this makes every day different to the next. I have enjoyed the transactional nature of private client, and the fact there are no immediate pressures with regard to deadlines. I think private client is the area in which I want to qualify.

As a trainee I have a number of files for which I am responsible, although I am closely supervised so there is the reassurance of continued support from my supervisor should I have any questions.

It was important to me to gain real, practical knowledge and experience. With the infrastructure to support me, I was given a lot of responsibility early on. The firm has been 100% supportive through my training contract and has encouraged development into my chosen specialty in its flexibility with seats.

The firm has an open door policy which means that you can always go to anyone in the firm for help or advice. This is important because you benefit enormously from the partner’s wealth of knowledge and experience. This also increases the contact early on between trainees and partners.

I have regular review meetings with my training partner during which we may discuss any relevant matters. It means I can monitor and proactively manage the progression I am making, as well as a chance to raise any issues I may have.

I have completed the Professional Skills Course which is a further part of my training. I did the core modules in Southampton, and my electives in London. These courses enable trainees to meet other people from other firms and to share useful information and ideas.

Being a multi site firm, good communications between our offices, partners and staff is crucial to our success. CGM operates an open management policy and actively encourages all staff to come up with ideas and proposals during our regular staff meetings. Trainees are included in this process. We are informed of future developments and invited to contribute and suggest ideas to benefit the firm.

This is supported by more formal communication methods. For example, the firm has an intranet, and is linked with other law firms in the south through various professional bodies, specific to departments. In addition regular social events are held in offices and the whole firm tires to get together once a year at Christmas time.

The training has been excellent and the work I have involved in has been challenging, interesting and diverse.

CGM is an energetic firm that respects your ability as a future lawyer by giving you early responsibility over your workload whilst at the same time providing comprehensive support and feedback to enhance the quality of your training.

I am excited about the transition from being a trainee to a newly qualified solicitor. I look forward to building on the experience I have gained with CGM.
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