THE LIFE OF A TRAINEE SOLICITOR
THE LIFE OF A TRAINEE SOLICITOR06 March 2019 Written by James & George Collie

Hayley MitchellI remember very clearly my first day at Collie’s: waking up feeling terrified and excited, arriving half an hour too early then spending all day trying to memorise names and faces. It took me at least a week to figure out where all the staircases led to, and how to get back to my office from reception. Four months on, I can honestly say that I am really enjoying the position as James & George Collie’s newest Trainee.

The gap between studying law and practising law can be precarious to straddle. At university, it was considered wrong to give an answer without backing it up with several sources and then, for extra credit, distinguishing these with contrasting views. I quickly learnt that no client is interested in the law that declared that they cannot chop down their neighbour’s tree. They simply want to know if they can do it or not. Indeed, a short answer in most cases seems to go a long way. This is a difficult position to get used to when I’m secretly itching to refer them to the Statute, Court or Sheriff that gave the ultimate decision.

It also appears that university misses out parts of the education of a lawyer that in practice are vital. For example, the difference between dry and wet rot and the types of material roofs can be made with. I have learnt that no question is a stupid question (and even if it is, it is better to ask than make a mistake) and that secrets can be gleaned from sales particulars. I have also learnt that paralegals and secretaries are worth their weight in gold.

I have become au fait with the city centre geography, and no longer need to consult Google maps every time I visit another Firm’s offices with a settlement. This has also taught me the lesson that Trainees must wear sensible shoes!

I have also discovered that Collie’s is a very social firm. Since I have joined, I have been to three quiz nights; the theatre; an excellent Society of Advocate’s dinner and I have joined the Firm’s curling team. We also regularly have informal and impromptu evenings out together which have really made me feel like part of the crowd.

I intend to make the most of my final two months in the conveyancing department, and I look forward to the challenges of my next seat.

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