How to get the most out of your Training Contract – Trainee Blog
Training Contracts are highly sought after and what follows is an extremely competitive market where only a lucky few are successful in their bid to obtain one. Accordingly, it’s crucial to make the most of the golden opportunity so that by the end of your Training Contract, you can look back with no regrets having achieved what you set out to achieve and more. Below I have shared some of my thoughts on how best to make the most of your Training Contract:
- Be realistic in what you can achieve in each 6 month seat
First and foremost, it is worth reminding yourself throughout your Training Contract that you are a Trainee and not 7+ years PQE. While being a Trainee does come with a certain level of expectation and responsibility, which can sometimes be daunting, there is no shame in getting things wrong or asking questions. Being the competitor I am, I often want to learn everything overnight and find myself getting bogged down when I have struggled to get my head around something or misunderstood a brief. But, you must have patience. Believe it or not, the Partner who you work most closely with was once in your shoes and they too want to see you succeed because the sooner you learn, the easier their life becomes because you can be trusted to take on more responsibility.
- Have an open mind about each seat rotation
Some Trainees know from day one what practice area they’d like to qualify into. Others, not so much. Regardless of which of those Trainees you consider yourself, it is important to approach each seat rotation with the same level of vigour and enthusiasm. Not only will this make each seat more interesting, but it is quite common for Trainees to change their mind on where they intend to qualify, either because they enjoyed a department they weren’t expecting to or they disliked a department that they had earmarked for qualifying. It is therefore wise to come with an open mind and immerse yourself in the work, even if you are not in one of your preferred departments. Each and every practice area have similarities and differences and by doing a rounded Training Contract you will be develop a wealth of different transferrable skills that will prepare you for qualifying. Anyways, worst case scenario is that you are in a department for 6 months – therefore, you may as well try to enjoy it!
- You are not guaranteed a job after your Training Contract – you have to earn it
A Training Contract is typically a 2 year fixed term contract, the expiry of which one would hope ends in being offered your dream role as a newly qualified Solicitor. Each seat is akin to a 6 month interview, and whether you are hoping to be offered a role as a newly qualified Solicitor at your chosen firm or if you are considering heading for greener pastures, it is important to impress the right people who will influence the direction of your legal career. Usually a Trainee will work alongside the Partner in 4 separate departments and so it is of great consequence to leave a lasting impression as feedback will play a significant role in whom the firm intend to keep on.
- Get involved in extra-curricular activities
Trainees are cherry picked with the hope and intention that they will develop and eventually become the Partners in the firm. Clearly, if you have been offered a Training Contract, you’ve shown an aptitude for learning and applying the law in exams. Becoming a Partner isn’t just about being able to understand and apply the law. It is also about being able to offer more to the firm and your Training Contract is a perfect opportunity to see what works for you. Every Trainee is expected to get involved with networking which is often considered way outside the comfort zone of many fresh faced post-graduates. That being said, the more you do it, the more comfortable it becomes and slowly, but surely your confidence improves as does your communication skills. What once seemed terrifying becomes second nature as networking becomes a regular part of your day to day routine.
Aside from networking, the firm arrange many social events or community work and it is encouraged to take part in as much as you can. This assists greatly in getting to know other people in the firm and will help you get noticed by the Partners in the other departments that you haven’t worked in. In addition, as a Trainee you will find that opportunities arise to take on responsibility for non-fee earning initiatives and it reflects well if you put yourself forward and run with it.
- Talk to other Trainees or NQ Solicitors
Your peers can often be the best port of call for advice, particularly those who are still Trainees or are newly qualified. Whether it relates to your Professional Skills Course, the upcoming seat rotation or your workload, don’t be afraid to share your thoughts/concerns with other Trainees as they may have had similar experiences to you and be able to put your mind at ease.
- Showing a good attitude to work
“I love preparing Court bundles” said no Trainee ever. Unfortunately there is no avoiding some tasks and bundling is just one example of the not so interesting tasks you will complete as a Trainee. However, by showing a “can do” attitude, the Partners will notice your willingness to learn and get you involved in more interesting work. Nobody said being a Trainee would be easy, otherwise everyone would do it. Sometimes you just have to roll your sleeves up and get on with it, whether that means starting early or pulling a few late nights to meet deadlines. Putting in the hours doesn’t go unnoticed and it shows you are happy to go above any beyond when required. Having said that, it is important to maintain a work life balance so that you don’t lose your marbles.