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Trainee network

Shoosmiths’ trainees are encouraged to be active away from their desks and to build contacts both inside and outside the firm. Firstly, we encourage the trainees to bond as a group, since we have found from experience that the trainees form a very strong support network for each other – and often  become good friends.

This all starts from the point at which we offer people training contracts and we make sure to put everyone in touch with each other so they know who they’ll be working with in a year or two’s time. Prior to starting we also arrange a few socials to get everyone together and break the ice. The first week of employment is more a week of enjoyment as we run an induction for the new trainees which introduces them to various aspects of Shoosmiths and gives the trainees some fun as a group before the real work starts.
Once in the office, the trainees are encouraged to maintain the links they’ve made and it remains the case each year that if you want to know any gossip around the firm, just ask a trainee – if they don’t know the answer, they’ll tap into their trainee grapevine and find the answer within minutes!

External networking

There are many localised organisations and activities which the trainees get involved in, including the local branch of the Junior Lawyers’ Division and an initiative called New Friday (dreamt up by Shoosmiths trainees) which aims to change the face of networking events for good – no more stuffy drinks & canapes with senior executives - instead bring on the local bar, an informal dress code and some fun in the shape of cocktail-making lessons or a magician. See http://blogspot.newfriday.com for more details.

Ricky Patel, 1st year trainee & Chairman of the Birmingham Trainee Solicitors’ Society (BTSS):

The BTSS comprises Trainee Solicitors, Newly Qualified Solicitors, Paralegals and LPC Student Members. The BTSS aims to forge links with other professions and to have a positive impact on the community, whilst bringing fellow young lawyers together in a range of environments including at regular social, charitable, cultural and sporting events.

As a student, I had the beginnings of my legal career mapped out in my mind: work hard, make an impression, work harder, and qualify as a solicitor two years down the line. To me, things were just that simple, at least until I started my training contract.

In trying to decide whether to run for the position of Chairman of the BTSS (one of the oldest and most active trainee solicitors’ groups in the country), I faced a quandary… I was happily settled into life as a trainee, content with both my workload and juggling participation in the firm's charity and social committees. However I was on the verge of rocking this pleasant equilibrium, since I realised the potential workload and responsibilities that would come my way if I was elected. Anxiously, I asked my future supervisors whether they would be happy for me to run, knowing that the position would impact greatly upon work time.  To my great relief, both partners were not only willing for me to go for the role, but were very supportive of the idea.

In a very short space of time, the elections were looming. I should have been nervous, but for the most part, I was just overwhelmed by the support I was receiving. My supervisor at the time was very helpful, and always at hand for any advice I needed. In fact, leading up to the elections, I felt as though we were preparing for a Shoosmiths event, considering the level of support and guidance I received from the firm.

Having been elected as Chairman, I couldn't have felt happier; the firm was extremely pleased for me, and the support I had initially received has never waned.  I often find myself in the situation where I need time out of the working day to liaise with sponsors or Committee members, but this has never been an issue. My supervisors appreciate the role I have undertaken, and are willing to accommodate the time taken to meet these obligations. Consequently, every day provides an interesting and varied mix of both legal and BTSS commitments that sit well with one another.

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Get in touch

Sally Stagles

Graduate Recruitment Officer
T: 08700 86 3223
I: +44 (0)1604 54 3223
E: join.us@shoosmiths.co.uk