Aidan Johnson – Trainee Blog

November 2023

I have assisted the Employment team by conducting research on some interesting areas of employment law. This has included dismissing employees for conduct outside of the workplace, continuation/termination of employment following the death of an employer, and the implications of a positive workplace drug test.

For the Corporate team I have been able to review a Franchise Agreement to determine the fees which could be applicable for our client in the event that the franchise is sold. I have also helped the team by carrying out some fairly complex research in order to determine whether a company would be classed as a ‘close company’ for SDLT purposes.

Earlier in the month I participated in the ‘Hull Business Fives’ football tournament with some of my colleagues at Rollits. At this event, we competed against some of the top companies based in Hull. I really enjoyed spending some time outside of the office playing football and trying to raise money for our nominated charity of the year ‘Bliss’. Unfortunately, after a decent run, we were knocked out in the final of our tournament.

October 2023

This month I have had the opportunity to assist the Commercial & IP team by reviewing multiple documents for one of our clients. This included reviewing standard conditions for the sale of goods, supply agreements, framework agreements, as well as a confidentiality and non-circumvention agreement.

I have spent a lot of time undertaking work for the Corporate department. This has included signing and witnessing the execution of a lost share indemnity certificate, drafting client letters, reviewing and drafting shareholders’ agreements, board minutes and written resolutions. I have also been asked to research the shareholdings of particular companies and holding companies which was relevant for the property team in one of their transactions.

For the Employment department I have sat in on several client meetings and taken file notes. I have also been asked to research a number of things for the team, such as complex TUPE matters including individuals based overseas, express and implied variations to contracts of employment, and the rules surrounding inducement claims.

I also helped host one of our events by welcoming guests to our Hull office before they attended the Charities Breakfast Briefing.

September 2023

I have thoroughly enjoyed my first month as a trainee at Rollits!  The workload in the Company and Commercial seat is very varied, so I have had the opportunity to work on a wide range of matters and carry out a variety of tasks.

I have spent most of my time working in the Employment department.  I never studied employment law at university, but I have learned so much already during my first month.  I have conducted research on issues such as potential detriment claims for whistleblowing, the amount of compensation that can be awarded for injury to feelings, the duty of care owed by employers when providing work references and whether employers can require prospective employees to have DBS checks.  I have also had the opportunity to draft and amend consultancy and settlement agreements.

I have also carried out work for the Corporate department, where I have completed company search reports, drafted board minutes and attended client meetings. I also had the chance to work for the Charities team, which involved drafting and amending a model constitution for the incorporation of a charity.

Aside from working in the office, I have been able to represent Rollits outside of the workplace.  During my first week I helped the team host the launch of the Heritage Open Days event, as well as delivering a presentation on legal careers to law students at St Mary’s College.

I am looking forward to learning more throughout the remainder of my first seat.