A Day in the Life of a Trainee

Ben McFeely is a second year trainee at Rollits in Hull. Ben’s current seat is in the Company & Commercial Department. Below, he gives us his account of what it's like to be a trainee at Rollits, along with his description of a typical day at work!

I am a second year trainee at Rollits having started my Training Contract in March 2008. I have so far undertaken three seats, Commercial Property, Employment and Dispute Resolution and have just begun my final seat in the Corporate department.

The third seat of my training contract took place in the Dispute Resolution department and has provided me with valuable contentious experience. I enjoyed a varied work load including assisting on valuable construction and matrimonial disputes as well as researching key points of law which requires accurate research skills and clear communication to provide the instructing solicitor with the precise legal position.

I also experienced legal work that has arisen as a result of the current economic climate; in particular I assisted on retention of title disputes which have become more prominent as a result of the number of companies entering insolvency proceedings. This gave me an insight into the commercial reality of trading in the current climate.

Looking forward, my focus is clearly on qualification and building on the skills I have acquired to prepare me for a role as a solicitor. I am provided with as much responsibility as possible so as to put me into the shoes of a qualified solicitor, which I feel is the best preparation for qualification. I am also provided with direct client contact which helps build the client relations skills that are crucial to being a successful solicitor. Although my Corporate seat has only just begun, I have already attended a meeting to discuss the reorganisation of a group of companies at which all parties involved, including our client, were present. I have consequently drafted, under supervision, all of the minutes, resolutions, share purchase agreements and Companies House forms to procure the transaction. This has provided me with valuable experience particularly in light of the recent enactment of the last tranche of Companies Act 2006 provisions.

Underlying all the work I carry out for Rollits is the excellent support network offered to me. The open door policy at Rollits means that I can chat to a member of my department, however senior, at any time, whether it be a discussion on a point of law or something more general. This obviously also builds a close team spirit within each department and across the firm. With this support I am able to work effectively at my full capacity.

I am looking forward to continuing my progression towards qualification through active involvement my department’s caseload; the level of responsibility Rollits is offering me is the ideal platform on which to begin and build my career as a solicitor.