This isn’t the end, it’s only just the beginning...

It’s hard to believe that I’m nearly 18 months into my traineeship, and it’s not long now until I’ll be a qualified solicitor.

I’ve been in our Litigation and Dispute Resolution team since last July. From the get-go, it’s been very busy, and the work is constantly changing – I’ve been involved with matters ranging from personal injury claims to construction disputes. Before starting my traineeship, I had an idea that I wanted to work in litigation. Now, I have no doubt about that!

I think the varying nature of the work is something which I’m drawn to. No two cases are the same. There is an inevitable personal element to each one, even in purely commercial disputes. I enjoy meeting clients’ and listening to their stories, and (as cliché as it sounds), I really want to help them win.

My breadth of legal knowledge has undoubtedly widened since working in the litigation team. Again, due to the varying nature of the work, there is often areas of law which I am less familiar with. This might mean that I just need to carry out a small piece of research, or it might require a really in depth review of a particular area of law. It’s then really rewarding to see that research applied to the facts of the case (particularly when it’s an obscure point of law!).

I’ve grown significantly in my confidence and in my abilities over the last 18 months. I think this is partly due to naturally gaining experience over time, and partly due to the quality of my legal training. I work directly for two partners in the litigation team. My work is then reviewed by the relevant partner, and they will feedback to me on the strengths and weaknesses. It is, in a sense, like a continual assessment (in a good way!), in which I’m able to improve with each piece of work. I’ve learned that it’s okay to make mistakes, because once you’ve made that mistake once, you won’t make it again.

I’m looking forward to what the remainder of my traineeship brings, but more so, I’m excited for my future legal career, because let’s be honest – this isn’t the end, it’s only just the beginning.

The information and opinions contained in this blog are for information only. They are not intended to constitute advice and should not be relied upon or considered as a replacement for advice. Before acting on any of the information contained in this blog, please seek specific advice from Gilson Gray.