I think that one of the most valuable things that you learn when you start your training contract is letter writing skills.  This is something that you will think you are already able to do like I did when I first started.  However, I remember during my LPC I was informed by tutors that many firms had contacted law schools to complain about the low level of letter writing skills that trainees possessed when they were starting at firms.  As part of the LPC we therefore had to do a short module on letter writing skills.  Whilst this was useful to a certain extent, like anything else, you cannot truly appreciate and develop the necessary skills involved until you put them into practice.

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First of all, Happy New Year.  The start of the year at Mason Hayes has been rather hectic as we have been instructed on several large matters simultaneously and there has certainly not been time to ease back in gently after the Christmas break.

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I thought I would use my December blog to look back over the last year and what I have achieved during the first year of my training contract.  I certainly feel like a different person than I was on the first day that I stepped into the office, although I recognise that there is obviously still a lot of learning still left to do!

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This month I have had my first taste of working within the corporate department.  As a small firm, my training contract does not consist of the traditional four seat rotation.  Instead, I work on more of an ad-hoc basis assisting where and when I am most needed.  Our corporate department is always extremely busy in the lead up to Christmas and I was therefore asked to assist in completing a deal.  As we are acting for the buyer, one of the first tasks I was asked to complete was the Due Diligence Report.

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This month has been rather hectic for me as I have been travelling to different areas of the country to deliver seminars and lectures.  As I said last month, I had been asked to give a lecture to the new first generation students at the University of Sussex through the firm’s Charitable Trust.  I therefore travelled all the way down to Brighton at the start of the month in the hope of inspiring some new students!

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This month I have been asked to participate in a series of public speaking opportunities through the firm.  It is important for me to participate in public speaking in order to develop my communication skills.  Communication skills are of vital importance to solicitors in all aspects of the role.

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One thing that I have learnt during the course of my training contract so far is the importance of a solicitor’s relationship with Counsel. Whilst much has been written recently regarding the changes in what is seen as the traditional relationship between the two branches of the profession, it seems to be accepted across the board that the relationship remains of vital importance.

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Over the summer, Mason Hayes has offered several students the chance to gain valuable work experience by taking part in a short vacation scheme. Students apply in the usual way by submitting their CV and covering letters and then a lucky few are selected to attend the placements.

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Being involved in a litigation team really makes you appreciate the art of negotiation. This month I had the opportunity to attend a without prejudice meeting on behalf of a corporate client. Prior to the meeting I was involved in discussions surrounding the merits of the claim and the appropriate approach to take in the meeting.

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This month has been rather hectic as I have been seconded to work in house with a new client and have also started my Professional Skills Course.  Many of you may think that you have seen the back of education after completing the LPC but, alas, this is not the case!  However, the courses that trainees are obligated to take are obviously designed to ensure that you are fully aware of the standards and obligations that are placed upon solicitors at the outset of your career.  I found my first course on client care to be both interesting and highly useful for everyday practice.  Although elements of this course are taught on the LPC, it is not truly appreciated by students how important this is until you begin practising.

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