Starting in a Law Firm

boblobblaw

Hi Everyone,

I am starting next week as a trainee in law firm in Dublin and I'm pretty nervous I'll be completely out of my depth! Would any current/past trainees be able to tell me what was the thing with regard to the work itself that they wished someone had told them before they started?

Thanks

jawn

A firm's dynamic really depends on its size. Is it one of the big ones, or a small private practice?

boblobblaw

Top 10 firm I think

Peregrinus

You will be out of your depth but don't worry; if it's a top ten firm you'll be highly supported. They consider themselves to be making an investment in you, and they really want that investment to pay off, so it's in their interests to do everything to facilitate the development of your skills.

Best advice is do not be afraid to appear ignorant or inexperienced or to ask what seem like facile or stupid questions, but do so wherever possible not in front of clients, not at meetings with people from other firms. It's fine to say "I didn't want to ask this at the meeting, but I don't understand what you meant by X/what you want me to do about Y".

Other best advice is always to treat the clerical and support staff with respect and courtesy, and to listen to what they have to say. Not only is this the decent thing to do, but they are a resource of practical knowledge and experience that you can draw on.