Written by Lydia Hope, Trainee Solicitor
I recently completed a seat in the private wealth disputes department. I assisted with matters such as Inheritance Act claims and burial disputes. The team deals with a wide range of contested matters. Every day is different, but I hope to give you an insight into the structure of my day.
08:30
I usually get into the office for 08:30. I review my emails and any new enquiries from potential clients. I update my to-do list with any tasks or responses that have come in. When doing this, I order the tasks in terms of urgency while also considering the time each task will take.
09:00
I have been asked by my supervisor to draft a witness statement on behalf of Hugh James Trust Corporation. This witness statement is to obtain a limited grant of probate. I start this in the morning because this task includes long form drafting and detailed review. I find it easier to concentrate on challenging tasks in
the morning.
10:00
Every Monday I have a meeting with my supervisor to go through my to-do list. This is also a good time to ask my supervisor any questions I have. In this meeting my supervisor will consider my capacity for more work.
10:30
Following my meeting, I will call the potential clients who I have received new enquiries from. I will talk to them about the details of their matter and our consultation options. This can be emotional for prospective clients as they are often recently bereaved. I find it is important to listen carefully on these calls and
provide reassurance.
13:00
I will take my lunch break, and I normally meet up with the other trainees, paralegals and solicitors. We all sit together in the kitchen and if the weather is nice, we will go for a walk around the city or to our various favourite coffee shops.
14:00
I review the witness statement I drafted this morning for any spelling or grammar errors and send the draft to my supervisor for review. I also contact any further new enquiries we have received over lunch.
15:30
I attend a client meeting with my supervisor and take a note of the meeting. Following the meeting my supervisor asks if I have any questions about the advice provided to the client. I am then asked to produce a proposal for the next phase of work we have agreed to complete for the client.
17:30
It is sometimes necessary to stay later to finish urgent work. However, I have checked with my supervisor and they do not need me to assist on anything further today. I pack my bag and start the commute home.
