Trainee Talks: Working in Corporate and Commercial

Corporate and Commercial is one of the most dynamic and rewarding areas of legal practice, sitting at the heart of business and commerce. At TSP, I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside highly experienced solicitors on a wide variety of matters. From high-value transactions to partnership structures and insolvency, my experience has been both varied and stimulating.  

The breadth of our work  

The scope of work is broad and constantly evolving. At TSP, I’ve gained hands-on experience across multiple areas: 

• Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) 

Working alongside Caroline Nicholls and Nick Mayles, I’ve seen deals progress from start to finish. My responsibilities included conducting due diligence, drafting documents, and ensuring transactions complete under tight deadlines. The pace can be demanding, but seeing a deal successfully complete is a real highlight for any trainee.  

• Partnership Agreements  

Under the guidance of Senior Partner, Mary Anne Fedeyko, I‘ve assisted in drafting and reviewing partnership agreements covering profit-sharing, decision-making and dispute resolution. It’s fascinating work that has taught me how legal frameworks protect relationships and prevent disputes. 

• Insolvency  

Whilst shadowing Nicola Rout, TSP’s insolvency specialist, I witnessed how the law supports businesses in difficulty. Tasks include preparing documents, liaising with insolvency practitioners and advising on directors’ duties.  

Governance and Compliance 

Company secretarial work and corporate governance are essential to every business. I regularly prepared Companies House filings, drafted board minutes, and researched governance issues - particularly relevant with the new ID verification regulations coming into force for companies.  

This combination of transactional, advisory and compliance work has given me a well-rounded foundation in corporate law and exposed me to a wide range of practical skills and responsibilities.    

Key takeaways  

A seat in corporate law offers an invaluable opportunity to build a diverse skill set and looking back on my time as a trainee in corporate law, there are several key lessons I’ve taken away:

    1. Attention to detail 

Whether reviewing contracts, preparing filings, or summarising complex due diligence documents, precision matters. Small errors can have significant consequences, so I’ve learned to develop meticulous habits and learned to double-check my work.  

     2. Flexibility and adaptability  

The work is varied, moving between M&A, partnership agreements, insolvency and governance. Being able to switch quickly between different areas and types of work has been invaluable.  

     3. Time management 

Corporate law can be intense, with deadlines that shift at short notice. I’ve learned to manage my workload efficiently, prioritise under pressure and maintain focus even during busy periods.  

     4. Client-facing skills  

Being involved in real client matters - from contracts to governance advice - has taught me how to communicate clearly, explain complex legal issues in plain terms, and always consider what’s best for the client.

From day one I was given real responsibility, exposure to a wide range of corporate matters and guidance from experienced solicitors. Corporate law if challenging, but it’s also dynamic, intellectually stimulating and incredibly rewarding. My seat in corporate law has shown me that no two days are the same and that’s exactly what makes it so exciting.