It feels like yesterday I was shopping for office-wear to calm my nerves. Having been offered the job two years before starting, I had a long time anticipating what working at Brodies would be like – and it certainly has not disappointed.
Our first week began with online IT training. We learned how to work with the computer systems, how to time record, and how to carry out day-to-day tasks like billing and drafting letters of engagement. We had a lunch in the office and a tour, feeling very much like the new people at a new school. By the end of the week, the tiredness hit me, but I was nervous all over again, spending the weekend anticipating my first full day in the office and meeting my new teams.
Monday came, and I began my first seat in Real Estate. Luckily, I became comfortable straight away. I also worked with one of the teams there throughout my summer placement at Brodies, so it was lovely to catch up with them and see some familiar faces. The first few weeks were quieter, which allowed me time to settle in and get to know everyone. Being placed across three teams within Real Estate, I undertake a huge variety of work and have gotten to know different colleagues, a truly valuable experience for so early on in my traineeship.
At Brodies, one thing you hear everyone say is how approachable and supportive the colleagues are, and I couldn't agree more. From my first day until now, I have received a huge amount of support from my supervisor, mentor, executive assistants, the people engagement team, IT, other trainees, and all colleagues I have come across. No question is ever silly, and everyone I have met is always on hand to help. This certainly made the transition from student to trainee much easier!
I've already been offered the opportunity to work on several important transactions – a responsibility I never considered receiving so early into my legal career. From larger scale sales to smaller lease transactions and business development projects, my experience so far has been extremely varied and there is always something new and exciting to work on.
The firm is keen to get you involved in events it is holding, this offers you an insight into business development and networking. These have given me the chance to learn more about Brodies and represent the firm. I took part in a Career Insight Day, where students in 6th year at secondary school, who are considering a career in law, come to learn about studying law; from university right through to traineeship. Another trainee and I took part in the 'Street Law' session, in which we encouraged the students to consider a situation whereby they had to sacrifice some of their human rights due to an alien invasion. It was really good fun, and something I had never participated in before.
I have also attended a client event with the insurance and risk litigation team – something I never thought I would experience in Real Estate but a fantastic evening of networking, gin-tasting and pizza!
My first few months has not been 'all work' either, with plenty of social opportunities to get involved in. Regularly, the trainees meet for drinks on a Friday and most days we have lunch together. A few of us even have a Friday tradition of getting a toastie from the café around the corner from the office. What is so lovely about being a trainee at Brodies is the sense of belonging to a community. We regularly chat to the second-year trainees, who are always on hand to offer advice and tips they have learned throughout their experience.
The Glasgow office ran a charity bake sale in September – so a few trainees met up the night before to bake together. It was a fab day to be in the office when everyone's baking was up for grabs! On top of this, I've attended a lunch with one of my teams and I recently went 'disco bowling' with my immediate team – both a great laugh and chance to chat to everyone in more casual setting.
Even in the beginning of your traineeship at Brodies, expect to be totally immersed in interesting activities, from the actual work to the social life! I have absolutely loved my first seat so far, and already cannot wait to see what the next two years bring for me at Brodies.
Applications for Brodies 2023 summer student placements are now open. Apply today!
Contributor
Trainee Solicitor
