Trainee Talks: Beyond the Billable Hours

One of the most asked question at university law fairs, and increasingly on LinkedIn is: “What makes a good trainee solicitor?” Having had the privilege to answer this question on numerous occasions, and most recently at the University of East Anglia Law Career fair, I have come to realise that the underlying question being asked is actually “What makes a good training contract?”

So - what does make a good training contract?

A well-structured training contract is multifaceted; it pushes the trainee to develop their legal skills, build their confidence, and find their niche. Your supervisors play no small part in this experience -  they play a pivotal role in translating academic knowledge into practical legal skill. As a Trainee Solicitor, I have been fortunate enough to spend the last two years immersed within the legal world with an array of excellent supervisors. These experiences have included drafting pleadings, analysing contracts, attending client meetings and multi-million-pound mediations, to name but a few.

The role of supervision

In the early stages of a training contract, the broad focus is on mastering the fundamentals - content, tone, style, and core legal skills. Supervision then evolves. As you progress through the training contract, good supervision prepares you for the next challenge – qualification and the responsibility of managing your own matters. This is the mark of any good training contract. A great training contract, however, goes a step further, and some of the most personally rewarding aspects of my training contract have enriched my time at TSP outside of the billable hours.

Beyond the billable hours

Through my respective supervisors, I have been actively encouraged to pursue my development beyond the billable hours. Their guidance has opened doors to a range of enriching opportunities, including volunteering for the Action Against Medical Accidents helpline, attending focused teaching sessions on complex areas of law, and even arranging for me to sit with a Judge. I have also been signposted to leading practitioner texts for further reading, organised charity events, represented the firm at events, and encouraged to explore networking opportunities that align with my interests. These experiences have not only broadened my legal knowledge, but have also helped to shape my professional identity.

There is no doubt that training contracts are designed to push you out of your comfort zone, and they come with a steep learning curve. Expectations, both internal and external, can be high. For many trainees, extracurricular activities offer an early and valuable opportunity to build connections within the firm, and with it, foster a sense of belonging. Whether this involves joining the firm’s sports team or supporting internal events, these experiences serve as a reminder that we are all part of a collaborative and supportive professional community.

Building soft skills

Now, as I approach qualification, and reflect on my journey from those first few months, I can see clearly how these experiences have helped me develop essential soft skills that can be overlooked from the day-to-day. Skills such as communication, project management, and proactive engagement are just as critical to a successful legal career as technical legal knowledge; extracurricular activities (and the volunteering opportunities that arise) offer a safe space to hone client-facing skills in a more empathetic and practical way – whilst making a tangible impact. These soft skills, and the supervisors who guided me in developing them, have played a key role in helping me understand the type of solicitor I aspire to become.

Advice for aspiring Trainee Solicitors

If I could offer one piece of advice to prospective trainees, it would be this: seek out the great training contracts, not just the good ones. Speak with both current trainees and newly qualified solicitors to gain insight into what the broader experience may offer you, and learn how the training contract has shaped them in readiness. In a profession which values technical excellence, it is the “extras” that help shape well-rounded, engaged, and empathetic Solicitors. These are the professionals who stand out - and who are worth investing in.