Author
Author
It is my turn to produce some unique and inspiring content which will tell you everything you need to know to be a successful trainee solicitor (if only it was that easy…).
With this in mind, I have been reflecting on my training contract journey so far as I near the end of my first year. I spent my first six-month seat in the Asset Protection team, a hybrid between our Tax, Trusts and Succession and Family teams, and I am approaching the end of my second seat in our Transactional Real Estate (TRE) team. In this blog, I will be focusing on my time in TRE and so if you would like to know more about my first seat and how I navigated the transition from Paralegal to first seat trainee, you can read my first blog here.
The world of TRE is fast-paced, and you will be juggling multiple deadlines on several transactions at the same time. This means that it can be challenging to get up to speed and efficiently deal with the pressures of a fast-paced transactional seat. I have therefore highlighted some of the key skills required for success below.
Attention to detail
The legal industry is intrinsically detail orientated, and this is especially present in TRE. Whether you are reviewing legislation, HM Land Registry (HMLR) guidance, title documents or transactional documents such as contracts or transfers, precision is essential. For example, it is crucial to maintain attention to detail when reviewing title documents as these documents are essential for proving ownership, providing legal protection for your client and facilitating property transactions. Therefore, being able to review information effectively and subsequently advising your client accordingly is critical as any error could have significant consequences for your client or the transaction.
Prioritisation
It is almost inevitable that you will be tasked will dealing with multiple transactions and tasks at the same time. The challenge comes when each one demands your attention. You will be required to organise pragmatically but also continually prioritise tasks to ensure matters are handled time-efficiently and in line with client’s expectations. For example, you can do this by prioritising tasks which have more urgency, a greater financial impact or potential risk for the client or transaction, or a HMLR deadline to adhere to which will have consequences for the client if missed.
Communication
My TRE seat has really helped me further develop my written and oral communication skills. Throughout the seat, I have communicated with colleagues, clients and other professionals on a variety of transactions. This requires me to tailor my communication to each scenario, whether it be explaining a complex legal issue in layman’s terms to a less-experienced client or negotiating a drafting point with the other side in more formal correspondence with reference to legislation and/or HMLR guidance as required. Adapting your communication style is essential for any solicitor and enables you to provider greater value to your client.
Organisation / Document Managing
The ability to maintain organisation is vital as it underpins your ability to manage multiple matters, especially where some may be more complex or time sensitive. Organisation in a TRE context has, for example, involved ensuring deadlines, such as a targeted completion date for a transaction or a HMLR requisition deadline, are accurately diarised to make sure that all deadlines are adhered to and not missed amongst the multiple matters.
Final Takeaway
My time in TRE has been a steep but rewarding learning curve. The skills I have developed have not only helped me navigate this seat but have also laid a strong foundation of transferable skills for my future development, both as a trainee in the short term and as a qualified solicitor in the long term. For any trainee stepping into a transactional seat, embracing these skills will make a real difference.
If you are interested in a seat in TRE or life as a trainee at Michelmores more generally please feel free to contact me either via LinkedIn or by email and I would be happy to have a chat and discuss in more detail.