Having read through my Training Contract, I decided that the terms were acceptable and so I put pen to paper. Although the inspection was something of a formality (like I was going to refuse my TC now!), I figured it'd be pretty un-lawyerly of me not to read it. Actually I was pleasantly surprised by some of it, and I can happily say the same thing about my first week at the firm.
Although it is an awfully steep learning curve and I have at times felt very daunted, I am really enjoying it. I feel a sense of accomplishment whenever I complete a bit of work, and the feedback I receive is generally positive and constructive. The hours go by very quickly (perhaps even too quickly!) which is in stark contrast to most of the jobs I've held in the past. Not once have I glanced at the time this week and wished it were later and I think that's a good sign!
I'm starting to find myself connecting what I learnt on my LPC with what I'm doing now, which is a huge help because if I understood something back then, I should be able to put it into practice now. One of my big worries before starting was that everything would be very different to the LPC and while it's not exactly the same, I feel like I do at least have a basic idea of what I'm doing.
Also, everyone has been extremely accommodating with me during the first week. I'm still waiting to meet someone at the firm who isn't nice! I don't feel pressured and they have allowed me time to take things in and learn the ropes. I don't know if this is the same everywhere, but I get the impression that other firms (particularly the big ones) are far more demanding from the outset. I'm sure that in a few weeks they will expect me to be getting close to the daily chargeable hour targets, but I really appreciate how everybody is easing us in rather than dropping us in!
It hasn't all been plain sailing. There was a slightly awkward moment when I found myself in conversation with the Senior Partner and wasn't totally sure what to say. There was also the time I accidentally locked myself out of my office when I nipped out for a moment. Perhaps most embarrassingly was the time I was walking out of the office, tried to press the door release button, but accidentally turned off all the lights in the office! Needless to say, I made a hasty apology and exit. I think I can get away with it once, but I really don't want to become known as "that" guy!
On a more serious note, as I alluded to earlier I know that they won't be this patient with me forever. I'm still a little afraid of what might be expected of me after the honeymoon period is over. I feel like I'm Hitler and I've just taken over Austria, but I know that I will have to go after Britain or Russia soon. OK, that analogy has probably put me in a terrible light.. but ... well, you know what I mean!
Anyway... overall, yes, I am settling in nicely. :-) It has been an enjoyable week and I hope it continues in this direction. That said, I'm glad the weekend has arrived because I'm very, very tired!
By the way, I found out how much an hour of my time is worth - a lot!!
I would love to have an opportunity like you to do a trainning in a small firm. Maybe because since its small, people will give you more attention and feedback from someone already doing what you would like to do will help you be more prepared to the future or even figure out if that field of Law is indeed the one for you...You mentioned previously something about commercial lawyers...why do you think that it was better for you not to do commercial law?
ReplyDeleteGood luck with week 2 :)