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Building relationships is one of the most valuable skills you can develop as a trainee solicitor. It’s not just about networking in the formal sense, it’s about creating genuine connections with clients, colleagues, and the wider community. During my time in the Construction & Engineering team at Michelmores, I’ve learned that the relationships you form can shape your confidence, your opportunities, and even your enjoyment of the job.
Here are five things that I’ve learned so far that I wish I had known earlier.
1. Start with the relationships you already have, your clients
I quickly realised that some of the most impactful relationships start on the matters you work on every day. As a trainee, you might not lead the client relationship, but you do shape the client experience. Building a rapport with clients isn’t about being an expert straight away, it’s about being reliable, clear, and human.
Tip for future trainees: Small things make a big difference. If you say you’ll send something “by the end of the day,” do it. If you’re unsure, ask early. Being dependable builds trust faster than anything else.
2. Take opportunities to meet people in person (even if it scares you a bit)
If I could give one piece of advice to future trainees, it’s this: go to things.
You don’t need to be naturally extroverted to get value out of events. Whether I was attending careers events, speaking with prospective applicants, or taking part in wider professional and social gatherings, each opportunity helped me grow in confidence. Meeting people in person pushed me outside my comfort zone at times, but it also strengthened my communication skills and expanded my network.
I made a conscious effort to attend a variety of events, from industry-focused discussions to junior professional meetups and more relaxed social evenings. Some were formal, some were fun, but all of them helped me create genuine connections.
Tip for future trainees: If you attend an insight day or vacation scheme, don’t think of it as “networking”. Think of it as having conversations. Ask people what they enjoy about their work, what surprised them about their role, or what they wish they’d known earlier. People remember authentic interactions, not perfectly crafted questions.
3. Don’t overlook internal relationships, they’re just as important
The best relationships often happen naturally when you’re working closely with your team. I’ve made a point of being approachable, enthusiastic, and willing to help – whether that’s jumping into team discussions or attending every team meeting to contribute where I can.
Being in the office regularly has also made a huge difference – people have been incredibly friendly and always willing to chat, which has helped me get to know colleagues across different teams and feel part of the wider organisation much more quickly.
Tip for future trainees: Your attitude matters. Curiosity, positivity, and showing that you genuinely care about the team go a long way. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about being engaged.
4. Get involved in the community, it builds skills and relationships
Some of the most meaningful experiences I’ve had as a trainee weren’t strictly law-related. I’ve had the chance to get involved in community and outreach activities, from delivering a financial literacy session to secondary school students to mentoring a younger pupil on a weekly basis. I’ve also helped organise charity initiatives and contributed to wider social and fundraising events within the firm.
Being part of these activities taught me how to listen carefully, communicate clearly, and connect with people in completely different contexts, all skills that ultimately make you a more well‑rounded and empathetic lawyer.
Tip for future trainees: If your firm offers volunteering or outreach opportunities, say yes. They help you grow both personally and professionally, and they’re a brilliant way to build relationships with colleagues outside your immediate team.
5. Relationships grow when you show initiative
Taking initiative sends a strong message about who you are as a trainee. When you step forward and do something without being asked, whether it’s drafting a useful resource, preparing a first‑cut email, or thinking ahead on a task, people notice.
Being proactive also builds trust. When colleagues see that you’re willing to take ownership, think ahead, and bring ideas to the table, they feel more confident delegating work to you. Over time, that trust leads to more responsibility, more interesting tasks, and a stronger working relationship. It becomes a cycle: the more initiative you show, the more responsibility you’re given, and the stronger those relationships become.
Tip for future trainees: Look for ways to add value that go beyond the task in front of you. Anticipate what might be helpful, volunteer when appropriate, and stay curious. Initiative is one of the fastest ways to gain trust, deepen professional relationships, and open doors to new opportunities.
Final thoughts
Relationship-building as a trainee isn’t about being perfect, it’s about being present. Say yes to opportunities, talk to new people, ask thoughtful questions, and be someone others can rely on. Every conversation, meeting, or event is a chance to build confidence and shape the kind of lawyer you want to become.