Before I started my traineeship, I was unsure what to expect. I had heard various stories that a trainee’s main purpose, regardless of which law firm they were at, was photocopying. Or they would get the dregs of the work that the more senior solicitors didn’t want to do. I was both excited and anxious to start, but eager to find out what my new position would entail.

To my delight, day one came around and I was not chief of photocopying. After the introductory process and tour of the office, I was soon involved in client meetings, drafting Wills and Power of Attorneys, and generally being hands-on with the work from the get-go. 

By the end of week one, I was getting to grips with the firm’s case management systems and could notice an improvement in my drafting skills. Overall, I felt like I had achieved various tasks by the end of each day. I had also joined the firm’s charity group and attended my first meeting with them. It sounds silly, but I didn’t think a trainee, especially one in her first week, would be asked if she would like to join this group so early on. This is something I am passionate about and looking forward to sharing my ideas. 

During week two, a dinner was arranged to allow me to meet some of my colleagues from the Ayr office. Going out for dinner with my fellow colleagues was certainly not expected before I began, especially this soon into starting. However, I am so glad it was arranged as it enabled me to get to know them in an out of office setting. 

Myself and my fellow Girvan co-workers go daily lunch walks to keep active and have arranged a dinner for the coming month. I would describe myself as a very social person, and this is one of my favourite aspects of my traineeship so far. 

I can’t quite believe the skills that I have learned and developed in the space of 4 weeks and the support I am receiving from my supervising partner, Debbie, and other staff members. Having a supportive environment to develop my knowledge and skills in the Private Client department will help me become a successful trainee. 

Part of me was concerned that the pandemic would make me feel disconnected from the other members of the firm and make it hard to build relationships with other colleagues. Thankfully, this couldn’t have been further from reality. The welcome I have had from The McKinstry Company has been unlike any other. 

Month one has gone by with lightning speed. I am already feeling more settled in my position and confident to progress. I am really looking forward to the coming months, what challenges they may bring, the skills I will learn, and the relationships I will develop. 

On a final note; reality > expectations.