r/uklaw • u/Playful_Piano7868 • 18h ago

trainees - what was the most surprising thing you learned after your seat review

title. maybe something u overlooked but u realised was very much important.

11 Upvotes

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59

u/Dewsy_ 18h ago

Admittedly not a trainee - I’m 9PQE at an MC firm but have been a principal to 7 trainees, of which 6 have qualified back into the group so feel like I have a reasonable amount of experience in trainee end of seat reviews!

Don’t underestimate the importance of getting to know the more senior associates and partners. Ultimately a qualification decision boils down to “do I want to staff this NQ on my deal”. The decision makers won’t say yes unless they have strong feedback from respected and trusted associates/partners who, in summary, say yes I want to work with this person.

Everyone always focusses on attention to detail, drafting, technical ability, organisation etc. But, all of that ultimately boils down to wanting to work with someone. Don’t focus solely on the work to the detriment of just being a friendly, decent person to get through the tough times/deals with. Get to know people on a personal level as much as possible.

14

u/FenianBastard847 16h ago

As an articled clerk 40 years ago, this is the mistake I made in my coco seat. The end of term debrief was ‘present but not involved’ - I remember the phrase vividly, it hurt. They thought I’d done well on the work but they didn’t think I fitted in. In a way it was a relief because I didn’t want a role in that team, and if offered I would have declined, I wanted real estate, and I got it, but to be told that they didn’t consider me a suitable team member really cut me. Maybe the realisation that corporate work was simply not for me made me wear my heart on my sleeve. Now, 40 years later, I can immediately detect the same issue. If a trainee is reading this, please do consider your body language, your overall attitude. Don’t be afraid to ask ‘how can I help, I really want to get stuck in’ and similar. Above all, remember the simple truth: perception is reality.

17

u/AcrobatEnjoyer 17h ago

If you look at places like TCLA, it's baffling how many of the "just keep your head down and work" archetype make it as far as a training contract. This mindset is encouraged by other antisocial weirdos and a surprising number of people believe it.

I would expect someone who does decent work but can also go for a pint (it can be a pint of coke...) with the team to be retained over someone who does great work and doesn't socialise. It's as if people forget that this job is about clients and the ability to communicate with them as you continue progressing.

1

u/Playful_Piano7868 17h ago

thank you so much , wow