📆 05.10.21 – 10.10.21 📆
To whoever is reading this,
This week, with most of the training out the way, learning how to use the systems etc. I started working as a Litigation Executive.
If you had asked me a few weeks ago which area of law I’d most like to avoid when starting my training contract, I’d have said Litigation. I’m pretty sure I did say that in my interview? But I was just so excited to start at the firm that I said yes without a moments thought when I was offered this job.
The first thing I noticed was that the old insecurities were back (had they ever left)? I’ve always hated the way I talk – my friends used to describe it as a “Minnie Mouse on helium” because I’m very soft spoken. It also doesn’t help that I’m the shortest person I know. Because of that, I assumed I would be horrendous at litigation – who was going to take me seriously?
It took me a while to realise it wasn’t how you sounded or what you looked like that would define how good a lawyer you would be, but how you acted. Whenever those old feelings would creep in, I’d have to keep reminding myself that I deserved to be here, I worked hard for it.
At the moment, I’m still trying to get to grips with everything – who knew, even sending an email is complicated! I thought, somewhat naively I guess, that I’d start and would know instantly how to draft emails, letters etc. I thought it would be just like my law degree, like the LPC, everything uni and my work experience had prepared me for. From the experience with my court case, I should have known law in practice is very different.
So yes, my biggest weakness this week definitely was feeling like I knew literately nothing. I kept checking the same email 10 times before sending it to someone to approve before I finally sent it out. What if I sent it to the wrong person, there were spelling or grammar mistakes. One of the first skills you’d expect your lawyer to have is “good attention to detail.” First impressions are important so I wanted to make sure I got it just right. It was an overwhelming feeling at first, which made the week a little harder. But I kept reminding myself that this is what I’m here for, to learn. It’s what the next year and the next two years of my training contract are for. I realized I was putting too much pressure on myself and needed to be more patient. I can’t expect to know everything and be amazing at it all immediately. It takes time to build and develop your skills. In the meantime, I’m just trying to be as proactive as possible, a good team player, enthusiastic and maintaining a good rapport with clients.
Aside from emails, I answered my first call this week, which sounds ridiculous – I’m 22, of course I know how to answer the phone – but I’ve never had to do it from a professional setting before. If anything, it showed me that I have absolutely no idea what I’m doing. But that’s okay. I’ll learn. I love my team, its only the second week but I feel like I’ve worked here my entire life.
Love Ang
xx
Legally Correct 