It has been my first month here at Wragge & Co as a trainee and I have really enjoyed it.  I have experienced a nice split between getting some great work experience, meeting lots of new people and enjoying the social side of Wragge & Co.

In my first week I met my fellow trainees during the induction and got to know my new team. I am currently sitting in the Employment and Pensions teams, so I am lucky to get the experience of two teams in one go.

The induction was a very nice welcome from Wragge & Co, with talks from various people around the firm including senior partner Quentin Poole and managing partner Ian Metcalfe. The informal nature meant that you immediately felt part of the firm and the open and honest approach was refreshing, and questions of any nature were welcomed and actively encouraged. 

During my second week, I spent three days at court attending the hearing of an application with my Employment supervisor. This was great experience and a good chance to see the law in action. I have already attended a conference with counsel, been asked to prepare a talk to be given to clients, drafted and amended legal documents and researched queries received from clients.

Even as a first seat trainee, you are given work as soon as you start and really encouraged to ‘get stuck in’. People are not afraid to give you responsibility and everyone wants to make sure you get the most out of each seat you are in. From an employment and pensions perspective, I have been given great training and they really prepare you for the six months ahead.

In addition to the excellent work experience, the social side of life has been really fun. During our second week, the trainees were taken out for lunch and allowed the afternoon to spend in the bar. This was great as it was nice to be able to relax after the induction period and get to know each other. In addition, we had the ‘New Beginnings’ party last week where all the existing trainees go out together to welcome the new intake. This was a really fun (if slightly late) night! 

Overall, my first month has been even better than I expected and I have got some interesting things already planned for the next month. These include a client meeting, team away day, attending a table football competition at a Barrister’s Chambers in London and culminating in the Birmingham Trainee Solicitor Society Annual Dinner. There are exciting times ahead!