As the normal period between accepting a training contract and starting at BDB is two years, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved with the firm before that ominous ‘first day’. Although I was naturally still nervous when I started my training contract, I was also confident that I would recognise a few names and faces from the various social events I had been welcomed to prior to starting.
The induction programme at the firm is comprehensive. My cohort of trainees spent a week together learning about the various systems and processes of the firm, brushing up our legal writing skills as well as our wardrobes and crucially, getting to know each other. We were certainly well equipped to start our first seats and ably supported throughout that process.
My first seat was in the Commercial team within the Business Services department. I was involved in a range of work from advising clients on possible mergers of their organisations to reviewing and drafting contracts. I was lucky enough to attend quite a lot of client meetings and very much enjoyed my time in the department.
Business Services was a very friendly and welcoming group with regular departmental drinks. The trainees in the department also attend training sessions together. These useful presentations and discussions helped to create a strong sense of community amongst us in the office (as well as in the pub!)
In March I started my second seat in the Real Estate department. I thrived on the fast paced and busy atmosphere as well as the large degree of responsibility enjoyed by trainees in the department. I ran a number of my own matters, speaking to clients and other lawyers on an almost daily basis. This ‘front-line’ role is well supported by supervision and the balance between the chance to do the work and learn from it and an open door to a more experienced lawyer is well struck.
As well as a number of residential and commercial matters I also assisted other members of the department with work on an extension to the Docklands Light Railway and acquisition of land for the London Cable Car. Involvement in these high-profile projects was exciting and rewarding and developed my taste for major project work. I am now starting my third seat in the Government and Infrastructure department where I hope to build on my experience in this area.
Thinking back over the last year I cannot quite believe how much I have learnt and the range of experience I have gained. My training contract to date far exceeds my expectations and has left me excited about my future career as a solicitor.