My view
I feel empowered to tackle these issues because I’m working among some of the brightest lawyers in the City. The teams I’ve sat in so far are market leaders in their respective sectors, so I know I’m receiving the best training possible. I’ve found that more senior colleagues, including partners, are willing to take the time to invest in trainees’ development by answering questions and explaining concepts.
For example, I assisted two partners with the review of a settlement agreement. It was between insurers and one of our clients, in respect of our client’s claim under its insurance policy. I raised several potential issues with the drafting of the settlement agreement – on the basis that it didn’t align with our model form in a number of places. After reviewing it, one of the partners offered to run through each of the points I’d flagged, to explain nuances in insurance settlement agreements. This is an area which I hadn’t engaged with previously and it meant that we were able to accept and disregard some of the points raised. Similarly, while in Real Estate, I was often trusted to undertake associate-level work. I was often the main port of call internally, in terms of the progression of the transaction, as well as the main liaison with the client. I also lead the due diligence exercise in relation to our clients' lease of an office building. Tasks like these, of course, give rise to further questions and senior colleagues are always happy to offer guidance and support.
For example, I assisted two partners with the review of a settlement agreement. It was between insurers and one of our clients, in respect of our client’s claim under its insurance policy. I raised several potential issues with the drafting of the settlement agreement – on the basis that it didn’t align with our model form in a number of places. After reviewing it, one of the partners offered to run through each of the points I’d flagged, to explain nuances in insurance settlement agreements. This is an area which I hadn’t engaged with previously and it meant that we were able to accept and disregard some of the points raised. Similarly, while in Real Estate, I was often trusted to undertake associate-level work. I was often the main port of call internally, in terms of the progression of the transaction, as well as the main liaison with the client. I also lead the due diligence exercise in relation to our clients' lease of an office building. Tasks like these, of course, give rise to further questions and senior colleagues are always happy to offer guidance and support.
