A Day in the Life with Nick Brooks
Our trainee solicitors play a key role across the firm, gaining hands-on experience from day one. To give you an insight into what that looks like in practice, we asked our current trainees to share a snapshot of their day-to-day work across different seats. While no two days are the same, these insights offer a glimpse into the variety, responsibility and support that come with training at Warners.
Nick Brooks
Second Year Trainee
Current seat: Dispute Resolution
Previous seats: Private Client, Residential Property
For my last seat, I have returned to Dispute Resolution after having completed seats in Warners’ Private Client and Residential Property teams.
In my team, there is no typical set day, and I usually start by reviewing my emails to see what I have received overnight. Simultaneously, to plan my day and prioritise, I review my task list to see those tasks which are outstanding. I then speak to my supervising Partner, Michael, to determine whether he requires my assistance on a particular case. Michael asking me to be involved in new files will require me to spend some time initially reading in to be familiar with the case.
A key part of my role as a trainee in the Litigation team is drafting. The nature of the dispute and the stage we are at in proceedings determines what document needs to be drafted. I Litigation, I have been fortunate to draft Claim Forms, a Particulars of Claim, licences, Orders and Charging Order documentation for Michael to review.
I take a break at around 1pm for lunch and I either head to the staff room to catch up with colleagues or take a short walk into town. It is a good opportunity to step away from my desk and reset.
Communication both internally and externally, orally and in writing is an intrinsic aspect of my role. My day will often include liaising with prospective clients to ascertain and document their query/issue as well as determine whether we can assist. This is often by email or by telephone as this method develops rapport and often ensures both the client and I understand each other fully from the beginning of a matter. I frequently draft letters to other solicitors to address the points they have raised in their correspondence or alternatively put forward our client’s position. Once I have completed my tasks for the day, I will then update Michael so that he is kept abreast and can review my work before it is sent to the clients.
On certain occasions, I have also been fortunate to attend court where I document what is discussed at the hearing. At a recent hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice, I was unexpectedly required to address an experienced judge as well as liaise with the opposition barrister post-hearing to agree the draft order and draft minute. These experiences certainly developed my confidence and ability to think on my feet!
Towards the end of the day, my focus is on completing administerial tasks such as saving/printing emails or attachments. I will also look to record tasks that require completion over the coming days.
This seat has strengthened my drafting and communication skills, as well as my confidence in handling more complex and high-pressure situations.
If you are interested in starting your legal career with Warners, applications for our Trainee Solicitor Programme are now open. Find out more: Trainee Solicitor Programme
