I thought I would talk this month about the experiences I have had as a trainee solicitor at Mason Hayes so far!  After just 3 months I have already undertaken a very varied set of tasks.  Being part of a smaller niche firm has allowed me to be more hands on in the cases that I assist with.  I have therefore been asked to complete first drafts of documents such as a Letter of Claim and a Mediation Position Statement as well as being involved in tactical discussions of how to progress matters and discussions surrounding the merits of a claim.

As I started as a Paralegal, I had already been given a case load prior to the start of my training contract.  I have worked closely on a fast track matter for nearing 18 months now for which I have drafted the pleadings and attended various interim hearings.  As the case was nearing its final hearing I have recently held further discussions with the client and it was decided that the claim should be settled.

I therefore entered into negotiations with the other side with a view to settling the matter.  After a lengthy discussion with the Claimant, I managed to settle the claim for around 30% of what the Claimant had originally stated on its Claim Form as well as coming to an arrangement on other non-monetary issues surrounding the matter.  I have previously conducted mediations on the small claims track for our clients but this was my first opportunity to enter into negotiations on a bigger scale and I was proud to have achieved a successful outcome for our client.

More recently I have attended a conference with Counsel on behalf of a Premiership footballer client.  The dispute here arose as a consequence of a rather obscure piece of law, the Mortgage Conduct of Business Rules (also known as the MCOBs).  Our client is now looking to be compensated for the losses that have incurred as a result of bad advice.

As well as large international companies, Mason Hayes also acts for individuals on a range of disputes.  I am currently heavily involved in a neighbour dispute regarding a right of way.  This has been the first time that I have been involved in anything of this sort and I have found it really interesting to watch it unfold.  During the course of this matter I have drafted Instructions to Counsel, attended several conferences with Counsel and drafted lengthy correspondence to the other side fully detailing our client’s position.

Well I best stop talking about it now and get back to work, until next month!

Kimberley