Working with a Solicitor - What to expect

Aces018

This post has been deleted.

NoQuarter

It is, in fact, underwhelming!

Don't worry about it at all. Just work hard and you'll be fine, there is not a lot expected from you at this stage.

RandolphEsq

Don't be afraid to ask for help if you don't understand something. If you keep your mouth shut a lot of time could pass with you faffing and not knowing what to do which will look bad.

crystalmice

Don't stress too much, a lot of it will be more straightforward and less exciting/intimidating than you might be expecting. Using your common sense is vital - if something doesn't make sense, ask a question rather than plowing on.

Be enthusiastic - some of the work you get wont be exciting and it can be hard to appear interested in something really dull like looking through loads of boxes for a missing document - but always be positive and enthusiastic when you get given work and never let on that you aren't happy to do something.
Also, be willing to learn; if someone is explaining something to you, even if you might think you know it already, don't just dismiss them - they will probably have something new to add and it is also very frustrating to try and teach something to someone who doesn't seem interested/seems to feel patronised by the assistance, so try and avoid seeming disinterested.

The main thing for the kind of work you describe is attention to detail- listen carefully in court as its easy to miss something (don't hide down the back of the room, get in a position you can hear from!) and when it comes to binding/making up booklets just take great care that the copying is consistent and no pages are missing/everything is securely bound and not liable to fall out when someone turns the pages a bit roughly. Double and triple check everything and don't be afraid to take your time and ask questions, no one expects you to be really fast and efficient at the start!

Best of luck, don't stress and you will be fine

shaneybaby

Totally agree with what the folks above said. You're starting at the bottom but everyone did. Every solicitor had to be taught how to put a brief together, a memo for partners, fix the damn binding machine which inevitably will still have the same problem 6 1/2 years later etc etc.

Get stuck in and enjoy it

Slyderx1

whatever you do do not repeat jam the photocopier and disappear......

Strong arm

Try to ask questions of the support staff if you can - the receptionist / legal secretary usually knows everything you will need to know at this level - do not follow the boss around asking basic questions !

Robbo

Don't drive a staple through a will and treat all original documents like they were the Holy Grail.

shaneybaby

Robbo wrote: »

Don't drive a staple through a will and treat all original documents like they were the Holy Grail.

True story but i know a lad who got fired for stapling his thumb with one of the big multi page staplers and had to go to A&E. His name wasn't William though.

RATM

Well count yourself lucky you'll be getting exposure to some court action, it'll stand to you when you qualify.

Most of the trainees I know graduated with an expertise in fixing photocopiers and little else.

littlemac1980

Do what you're told and you will do nothing wrong.

When the opportunity arises (in private) challenge the solicitor on legal points when you feel you have something to contribute - and listen very carefully to how they respond. Learn from what they say, but don't be afraid to put across your own view - provided it is well informed.

If there is something you don't understand fully, or are curious about, make sure to enquire about such.

Make yourself useful, be polite, enthusiastic, and inquisitive - if you can successfully demonstrate each of those traits at this stage, you have a good shot of an extension - if such is possible.

Don't be afraid to make mistakes (within reason), but ensure to own up to any errors you've made as soon as you spot them - no matter how bad they may seem, the earlier they are disclosed the easier they are to deal with.

Keep quiet in sensitive situations - such as at negotiations or in the presence of clients.

Dress reasonably well, but not too flash, and maintain a neat and alert appearance at all times.

Aces018

This post has been deleted.

blueythebear

Thought I'd add my two cents...

You will get to know the photocopier VERY well. It may seem monotonous, but do pay attention. You will know all about it when a vital Exhibit is missing from a copy affidavit, especially if it's a Judge who discovers it (as unfortunately happened me long ago!)

If in doubt about inserting a document into a brief, almost always, you should leave it in. It is much better for a barrister to have too much information rather than too little.

Always befriend the legal secretaries, executives and support staff. Not only would they generally be more inclined to take the time to help you out, they tend to know everything including how a particular solicitor/partner likes things done.

I'd also echo all of the above sentiments too!

Blackrockcomet

All good advice above. One more thing, write down everything you do. This might sound over the top but you'd be surprised how useful this experience could be down the line. Even just a few lines could jog your memory for an interview, regardless of whether it's an interview for a law firm or not.

valleyoftheunos

Never be without a notepad and pen, write down everything you are asked to do exactly. Has saved my ass many many times!

colonel1

Aces018 wrote: »

This post has been deleted.

Congrats on getting the offer of work experience Aces:) Any tips for those of us who are still looking for work experience?

Aces018

This post has been deleted.

colonel1

Aces018 wrote: »

This post has been deleted.

Oh I hear you with the pfos:) Could paper the walls with them at this stage. Still, congrats once again on your job experience and hope it all goes well. It sounds exciting!