6 Months In - Navigating the World of Property

I can’t quite believe it’s already been six months since I started my traineeship. It’s been remarkably quick so far, full of challenges which I have relished and learned from. At the same time, I know that I still have much more to gain in the coming months and have of room to improve.

I really value the guidance and support I’ve had from colleagues in conveyancing and across The McKinstry Company so far, who have generously fielded the in numerous questions I have raised. I’ve enjoyed the level of personal responsibility for progressing and managing my work I’ve had from an early stage, which I feel has accelerated my learnings on the job.

Truthfully, I initially underestimated the depth of intricacies and challenges that awaited me in conveyancing. From the onset, property transactions presented themselves as a labyrinth of legal nuances and practical considerations. As a trainee, I quickly learned that understanding property law is not merely about comprehending statutes and regulations; there are very real human stories behind each transaction that have to be accounted for.

One of the most significant lessons I've learned thus far is the importance of attention to detail. In property transactions, even the slightest oversight can have profound implications. Whether it's drafting legal documents and client communications, conducting due diligence, or navigating regulatory frameworks, precision is paramount. The devil truly resides in the details, and, as a trainee, I've come to appreciate the value of this in every aspect of my work.

Moreover, communication emerges as a cornerstone of success in property transactions. I've had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the power of clear, proactive and transparent communication in fostering trust and cultivating lasting client relationships. I remember when I first started being nervous to make a simple phone call. Now I can see the value of them in being able to clarify issues and to progress matters more efficiently. And while my skills in communicating have improved significantly, I know that I still have much to learn in this area.

Having been involved in a supportive capacity in purchase and sale transactions in my first few months, more recently I have had the opportunity to effectively run (with supervision) my first property purchase transaction from start to finish. Amidst the challenges and complexities, when the transaction successfully concluded I felt a real sense of fulfilment in having helped my clients buy their first home.

I’ve also had the opportunity to engage with property matters that link with our private client, family law and litigation departments, and I’ve enjoyed these opportunities to engage with different areas of law and to understand various legal issues that arise within them.

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the social side of the job so far as well, with a particular highlight being our company Christmas night out for dinner, drinks and panto in Glasgow. I look forward to more of these events in 2024!

I am excited to continue learning and improving my performance in the coming months, and I’m sure the next six months will fly by in no time at all!