Richard Law
University: University of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne
Degree and class: Law LLB, 2:1
8.30am
I arrive at the office and take a trip to the coffee machine. I then check my e-mails and talk to my supervisor about anything that requires urgent attention. This then allows me to spend 10 minutes preparing a task list for the day. This is essential as litigation is quite fast paced and with deadlines to meet it is pivotal to be well organised. I also ensure that my name is down for the 5 a side football the following week. This is a great way to get involved with a variety of people from the firm.
9.00am
I tackle my first major task. Today, this involves reviewing surveillance footage of a claimant and analysing whether the claimant's everyday actions are consistent with the injuries she alleges that she sustained in an accident. I scrutinise the claimant's medical reports and GP records before closely watching the claimant's every move.
10.30am
My supervisor and I attend a conference with a witness. I have to make detailed notes of the conversation as I will do the first draft of the witness statement. I am keen to obtain a thorough knowledge of taking a witness statement so that I can hopefully do this on my own in the future.
11.30am
Following the interview with the witness I start to draft the witness statement in the appropriate court format. I then analyse the draft with my supervisor and seek his advice on how to improve it before making the necessary amendments.
1.00pm
I grab some lunch with a couple of other trainees. We catch up on the weekend's football and exchange a few stories.
1.45pm
I begin to write a report on the surveillance footage I reviewed this morning. However, I receive an urgent phone call from an Associate asking for an opinion on the level of quantum in a case. I research the value of the case using the JSB Guidelines and Kemp on Lawtel and report back with my findings in the form of a memo. I then discuss my findings with the Associate and he thanks me for my help on the matter.
3.00pm
I get back to drafting the report on the surveillance footage but I am then asked by a Partner if I can draft a covering letter and then file some key documents at Salford County Court by 4pm. I phone for a taxi and draft the covering letter in the meantime. Although it might sound difficult to have to stop work at a moment's notice, it is actually exciting and certainly makes the day fly by. Further, supervisors are always happy to wait for pieces of work as long as you keep them informed of any delays.
4.30pm
I return to my desk, grab a cup of coffee and draft my report on the surveillance footage. I then hand it to my supervisor who can then analyse my findings in his own time.
5.15pm
I make a start on photocopying various case documents in order to create an indexed trial bundle for Counsel. Whilst this may not seem terribly exciting, it is an excellent way of familiarising yourself with all the relevant documentation in the litigation process. Once I have completed this I will then be in a position to draft instructions to Counsel tomorrow.
6.00pm
I leave the office and head off for a beer with a couple of trainees and paralegals. I was intending to go to the gym but the pub sounds slightly more appealing!