Supervision
Jessica Blandford,
Solicitor
Each trainee is assigned a
supervisor who is ultimately responsible for ensuring that you gain
a wide range of experience during your seat (although, depending on
the size of the department, you may do more work for other fee
earners). Your supervisor also acts as your first port of call if
you are having any problems during your seat. I always felt able to
approach my supervisor with problems and questions.
I found it useful to suggest diarising a monthly meeting with
my supervisor so there is always time set aside to "touch base" and
check you are on the right track.
Elin Davies, Solicitor
The level of supervision depends on
the department that you are in and the stage of your
contract. In my first seat, I worked very closely with my
supervisor and my workload was very structured. I was given
the opportunity to use my own initiative but there was a strong
support network and I also worked closely with a newly qualified
solicitor. My training record was always discussed
regularly. My progression was gradual and this allowed my
confidence to grow in order for me to be let loose on clients when
I was ready. In my second seat I was adequately prepared for
greater responsibility and would frequently conduct client meetings
on my own, attend court and often conduct the majority of the case
management on a file.
There is very much an ‘open door’
policy within Hugh James which complements the more formal
supervision structure.