Navigating the transition from law school to trainee
Going from being a student at law school to being a trainee has been a big jump, but it has been a rewarding and challenging journey.
Coming to grips with office life, facing new legal problems daily and getting to attend client events was all a big learning curve. Thankfully, the transition has been made easier by having supportive colleagues who have helped guide me through the process whether that is by providing feedback on my work or going to grab a coffee to answer any questions I have. The key thing is to embrace the journey and say yes to everything.
Work Life Balance
A major difference I noticed when entering the world of corporate law was that your time becomes increasingly valuable. During university, my schedule was extremely flexible and I could choose when to work as my deadlines were often weeks away. Whereas life as a trainee becomes more structured as you have to adapt to the various timelines on deals and determine which tasks to prioritise. I found that establishing a routine early on where I allotted time for pursuing my interests or seeing my friends was invaluable. This helped me to stay energised and take on any piece of work with a fresh mindset. The firm encourages us to maintain a life outside of work and even offers various activities such as volunteering with The Felix Project or playing in the Marriott Harrison football team.
Work Style and Office Life
Another obstacle I encountered was adapting my style of work and the manner in which it is delivered. The previous world of academia was more based on the theory of how law can function holistically with each essay being written, submitted, graded and then forgotten about. However, trainee work is far more practical and fulfilling, where you get to see not only how your work impacts a client but sometimes a whole sector of an industry.
A keen attention to detail becomes vital as nearly every word can impact the effect of a piece of work. A valuable tip I was given was never to submit anything straight after finishing it. Instead, take 10 minutes to go do something else then come back with a pair of fresh eyes. Also, there’s nothing wrong with asking a fellow trainee to take a second look at something or discuss a tricky problem (just make sure to return the favour). After all you are all in the same boat and everyone at the firm is committed to helping you grow.
Another significant shift is having to adapt to office life and traversing the various social dynamics. I spent a significant amount of time as a student during Covid working at home, so it was a big change to suddenly be in a busy office every day. It was an enjoyable experience to be immersed in a fast-paced environment where everyone I met and worked alongside was welcoming and supportive regardless of their level within the firm.
Clients
Finally, the key difference between trainee and student life is that in the professional world you are working to achieve the goals of a client. Marriott Harrison differs from other firms as you get great exposure to interact directly with a range of clients. This is a fantastic way to get hands on experience. Throughout my short time at the firm, I have been able to access the full scope that the legal world has to offer. Whether that has been running deals and drafting leases for property developers, attending client calls on multi-million-pound acquisitions or meeting biodiversity unit brokers for networking drinks. The best thing to do is to launch yourself into these moments and absorb as much as you can. Remember to remain calm and back yourself as you have more to offer than you think.
In conclusion, the transition from student to trainee will be a significant milestone that will force you outside of your comfort zone and to embrace the challenges in front of you. Make sure to remember that no one is an expert from the start and that as long as you keep a mindset focussed on growth and jumping into everything with enthusiasm, I promise that you will be glad you made the leap.
