As a Scottish Trainee Solicitor, you are (usually for the first time) using the legal knowledge and practical skills that are developed throughout university, and are simultaneously navigating a new landscape of responsibility in terms of assisting real clients in a professional setting.
Having recently entered my second year of my legal Traineeship with Clarity Simplicity, I have taken the opportunity to reflect on my role over the last twelve months. The quick transition from being a shiny and new Trainee, to being well on the way to qualifying can be both challenging and highly rewarding. This short piece intends to share my lived experience, in the hope that it may assist future Trainee Solicitors with what to expect from their first year in the role.
Challenges In the Traineeship Role
Workload and Time Management
It’s hard to know what to expect from your traineeship in a law firm when you’ve never had one before. For many Trainees, balancing their workload will be the most difficult challenge they might face. You might be given a new file that needs work done urgently which completely alters the trajectory of your day, week, or month. Being able to have confidence in your ability to stay calm, and to come up with a strategy that will allow you to complete the work to the standard expected, will likely not be easy. Reaching out to your Trainee Supervisor and other mentors, and asking how they would manage the situation if they were in your shoes might just be one of your most valuable tools. After a while, you might adopt those strategies, and make them your own. I found that doing this gave me confidence in my ability to manage those situations without the need for help and would encourage others to do the same.
Adapting to a Fast-Paced Environment
As a first-time Trainee, you may never have worked in an environment where there are hard and fast deadlines. It can be overwhelming at first to adjust to that, especially where there are multiple tasks to be done around the same time. Things do move quickly, and deadlines can be crucial for a variety of reasons. You should always do your best to meet them within the timeframes given. However, I find that if a deadline is causing me significant concern, it is best to speak with the person who set me the task, or one of my mentors, to see whether the deadline can be extended. My advice to future trainees is to be patient with yourself during this adjustment period and embrace the steep learning curve.
Confidence in Client Interactions
Engaging with clients for the first time can be nerve-wracking, especially when you are might worry how you will be perceived. However, going into those scary appointments with a pre-prepared plan, and ensuring to tackle all the relevant headings, will limit your ability to veer off track into less relevant topics. The more you do it, the more your confidence will grow! My best tip is to never be afraid to admit that you just don’t know something – clients appreciate honesty, and will be grateful to you for taking the time to go away to find out the correct answer, instead of advising them inaccurately.
What to Look Forward to
1. Being exposed to lots of practice areas
As a trainee solicitor, one of the most rewarding aspects is the variety of work you’re involved in. From commercial transactions to litigation and everything in between, each new legal area offers a fresh perspective and a unique set of tasks. This exposure not only helps you discover your interests but also builds a well-rounded foundation for your legal career. My advice would be to keep a positive mindset about each new challenge, and be mindful about how difficulty can improve your competence.
2. Accepting that mistakes are how you grow
Making mistakes as a trainee can feel like the walls are literally caving in, but remember that they are not. It is through these tough experiences that real growth happens. Learning to take responsibility, reflect, and improve fosters resilience and a stronger understanding of your skillset. Diamonds are made under pressure – and the mistakes you make will help you understand how to develop your practice. I have found that curiosity and a willingness to learn are vital in making it through the most challenging periods.
3. Building relationships within the profession and with other trainees
Your traineeship is a great opportunity to build lasting professional relationships. Whether it’s collaborating with colleagues, learning from mentors, or connecting with fellow trainees, these relationships provide both support and insight. These early connections often become part of your professional network for years to come. Scotland is a small place, and good first impressions count, as you never know when you might stumble across a connection from the past. My advice would be to speak to everyone, ask questions, and get to know those around you!
4. Every day brings a new challenge
Being a trainee is rewarding and extremely interesting. No two days are the same, and you will constantly be thrown in at the deep end. From tackling urgent client queries to managing complex legal research or drafting, there is constant variety and if you are someone who is curious to learn, and solve complex problems, then I am quite sure that you will find the work engaging. I would encourage all future trainees to soak up all of the learnings and reflect on how they can bring their lived experiences into their work.
If you’re considering a career in law or about to start your training contract, embrace each moment with curiosity and resilience. Stay open to every opportunity and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone—you’ll be surprised by how much you grow.
If you’re seeking clear, practical legal advice tailored to your situation, our experienced team is here to help. Call us on 0141 433 2626 to speak with one of our solicitors today.
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