In our Back to the Future campaign, we're putting expectation up against reality when it comes to Trainee seats. In this edition, Anna Cooke (first-year Trainee) and Jack O'Shea (second-year Trainee) compare notes.
Anna - What skills do you think will be important for your training contract?
From the first month, I definitely think the two key skills which are needed are being organised and willing when approaching work. We have been told the best way to get going is say yes to anything so keeping on top of everything you've said yes to is key.
Jack - What skills have been most important for your training contract?
It may seem obvious, but I think speaking to everyone at the firm, and being nice, is so vital. It makes working with your colleagues more enjoyable and will definitely benefit you in the long run.
Time management - it's a cliché but its a cliché because it's true. If you're able to do this effectively and plan out your day efficiently, you've already won half the battle.
Feeding into this is managing people's expectation, whether that is the client or your supervisor. Keeping everyone up to date on the progress of a matter is extremely important as it gives people comfort that you are on top of your work and have it under control.
Anna - What do you think will be most difficult?
I think the actual moving of seats every 6 months will be the most difficult - as soon as you feel as though you might be doing well and getting to grips with a certain area of law, you're moved on to begin the whole process again!
Jack - What has been the most difficult moment so far?
Managing a transaction to completion in the first few weeks of my Real Estate seat when the fee earners working on the matter were out of the office. Whilst I was receiving support from my supervisor, I had existing knowledge of the matter and had to drive it forward. I was answering enquiries from the client who was buying the property, the seller and the lender and had to complete in a very short space of time as we were served with a notice to complete. I learnt a lot from this matter and the client was pleased with the result.
Anna - What are you most looking forward to?
I am most looking forward to seeing which answers we gave on the assessment day that helped us stand out (for good or bad reasons).
Jack - What has been your best moment so far?
The client five a side football tournament, where we went through to the last 8 was a fantastic day with great people. I also really enjoyed a Business Crime event at Bounce a few weeks ago.
The people at Howard Kennedy are also absolutely fantastic and I've made some great friends in my short time here.
Anna - Which seat do you think will be your favourite?
I am really enjoying my first seat in litigation as I have been able to attend court on a number of occasions which has been really interesting. Also dealing with both individuals and corporate clients has been great in developing my awareness of client needs.
Jack - Was the seat you thought would be your favourite actually your favourite?
I came in with a completely open mind to my Training Contract and had little to no idea what I wanted to qualify into. Both my seats thus far have been very enjoyable, especially in Commercial Development where we delved into the wonderful world of HMOs. Shreena Avery is an expert in this field and it was really fun to work with her on them.
Anna - What non-fee earning activities are you looking to get involved in at HK?
So far I have been involved in pro-bono, a business crime event playing ping pong and HK sports day. Also, having worked at the firm before, Karen's wreath making at Christmas is one of the highlights of the year that I am looking forward to attending!
Jack - What non-fee earning activities have you been involved with at Howard Kennedy?
My favourite has been the Pro Bono work that I have done at Howard Kennedy, as it is a fantastic program run by Julia Wookey. I have advised clients by myself, which has been a really great experience (if a little daunting at first) and have assisted Julia with her matters as well. I think this is an invaluable experience for a trainee as it exposes you to a new area of the law and takes you out of your comfort zone, but the client really needs your help and it's incredibly rewarding to be able help in any way you can.
Jamie Rhodes and I put forward a business plan to the Management Committee for a Trainee Social budget, which we were successful in securing. Moving forward, we will have a permanent Trainee Social Committee to plan events for trainees throughout the year.
As I mentioned, I have participated in some of the sporting events for the firm, although my ping pong skills left something to be desired. I also took part in the London Legal Walk over the summer.
Anna - Why did you choose HK for your training contract?
One of the main reasons I liked Howard Kennedy was because it is all based in our one office at No 1 London Bridge. I have experienced first hand how this allows a greater ease of collaboration across different sectors, which in turn assists in developing a wider awareness of the different factors we need to consider when advising clients.
Jack - What have been your impressions of Howard Kennedy after a year at the Firm?
I've really enjoyed my year so far.
I think the level of support that trainees are given is something that sets the firm apart. There are plenty of training sessions to keep you up to date with developments and ground you in the area when you move seats. The supervisors I have had so far have all taken an interest in my development which has been very helpful.
Dealing with both individuals and corporate clients has been great in developing my awareness of client needs.
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Anna Armstrong, Associate
