Life as a Trainee Solicitor – Georgia Heatlie

Life as a Trainee Solicitor – Georgia Heatlie

As a Trainee Solicitor at Bridge McFarland LLP in the family department, no two days are ever the same. Within the family department, the work is dynamic and can vary from drafting financial agreements, applying for a divorce, attending court, having appointments with clients and drafting applications to Court for children proceedings – and that only names a few! The variety offers both challenges and opportunities to learn. Alongside general work, I have a study day once a week with BPP University in preparation for the SQE exams. For me, this falls on a Wednesday which personally, I think works well to allow a good work-study-life balance. A typical study day involves completing all the preparation such as reading, practice questions and an online seminar/lesson.

©Phil Crow 2023

My usual day starts by arriving in the office and I begin with reviewing any emails received from clients or colleagues – obviously with a cup of tea in my hand! I will catch up with any updates and plan my day based on the urgency of each matter.

Throughout the day, I receive calls from both clients and new enquiries. If the call is from a client, I will review their file and help them as much as possible. If needed, I will book them in for an appointment with the Solicitor who has conduct of their file. For new enquiries, I take full details of the individual and the opposition to perform a conflict check and then suggest whether we advise an initial appointment or payment on account to fully instruct us.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays, my supervisor will be in the office, so I spend the majority of those days in and out of different appointments. These can be completely new appointments where we are obtaining initial information or current clients where we are discussing next steps, upcoming court hearings or reviewing recent reports or documentation received from the other side. Following these appointments, I am usually instructed to deal with the attendance notes, sending out letters and progressing any agreed next steps. These are often my favourite days as it is interesting to be working so closely with the clients and I enjoy the independence given to progress the next steps on cases.

It is not very often that I go without a Court hearing each week. The court hearings are mainly for financial cases, and these are either dealt with by my supervisor or an instructing barrister. Either way, I will attend Court which I think is a great way to learn. It is great to witness the advocacy and see how parties reach a settlement. I originally found going to Court a very daunting experience, however, know I understand the usual procedure, it is something I always look forward to! The feeling of progressing a case is great and even better when a settlement is reached!

A particular thing I enjoy most within my role is the independence I am given to complete tasks. This can vary from drafting documents that I have done several times or it may be something that I have never done before so I need to research and look at precedents before beginning. My supervisor will always review my work and provide feedback – whether this be positive feedback or how any amendments can be made. This opportunity of constructive criticism is definitely what helps my learning most and furthers my training. The family team I work with are always so willing to help with any questions I have.

As a trainee at Bridge McFarland LLP, there are quarterly trainee meetings where the entire cohort are in one office. The agenda varies at each meeting, but it usually involves at least one trainee presenting a topic of their choice, senior staff offering Q&As and pizza at the end! As part of the trainee committee, I am required to organise these meetings as well the trainee socials. As well as being in the trainee committee, I am also an events organiser for Grimsby Young Professionals which arranges events in our local area for networking.

Why Bridge McFarland LLP?

As many people who are local to the area know that Bridge McFarland LLP is a well-known firm. Whilst working here, it has really proven how great of a place it is to work. I am constantly telling my family and friends how much I love my job. The department I work for are always so helpful and are always there to provide their expertise. I am never felt to feel like a hindrance or that I ask too many questions – everyone is so friendly that it makes it feel like a second home. I have enjoyed my time with the firm and look forward to growing with them.