Ashfords Solicitors - The Benefits of Work Experience

My placement took me to Ashfords' Bristol office in the summer prior to me enrolling on the CPE conversion course. Therefore, my legal knowledge at the time was minimal. On my first day I was assigned to the Insolvency Department. This was a very interesting subject, which can simultaneously encompass several areas of law, creating work of a varied nature. After a brief but comprehensive introduction on the subject by the Insolvency partner, I was assigned a case-related research task, which further broadened my knowledge in insolvency. That was followed by the drafting of several forms, which were later used in various court petitions. The next two days were spent with the firm's Construction and Planning Departments. I was assigned the task of researching and drafting solutions to several issues relating to an important case dealt with by the Head of Construction. I was later informed how useful some of my findings were, and that they would be of great financial benefit to the client.On the fourth day I worked with the Intellectual Property Department. Following some interesting research on the subject, the Partner set me an interactive task which tested what I had learnt in the process. That was certainly a great way of applying the knowledge I had gained in a practical way. On my final day, I was asked to work with the Corporate Department, where I had to help proof-read and edit a contract for a multi-million pound acquisition by one of the firm's clients. Although a somewhat daunting document to read during work experience, it provided me with a useful insight into the type of work undertaken by large successful law firms.

The whole week was organised very well and certainly kept me occupied. Rather than being asked to do research on irrelevant matters, most of the work I undertook was related to real cases and allowed me to make my own input into the firm's affairs. Everything I did was checked by the relevant partner and I received plenty of constructive feedback.

Work experience is something that should be a priority for every future trainee solicitor. Not only does it show you are enthusiastic and have an interest in the subject, but it also allows first-hand experience of the application of law in a practical setting. Most of all, however, it provides the best opportunity to demonstrate your skills and capabilities, which is the best way of getting noticed in a notoriously competitive profession.

Venko Jablensky

First Year Trainee Solicitor

September 2007

The Benefits of Work Experience

Introduction