Degree: Classics degree at Warwick;

GDL and LPC: Nottingham Law School.

Being a trainee at Henmans is vibrant and fulfilling. The sociable and supportive culture of the firm is such that training and self-development is both encouraged and enjoyable. This is particularly the case in the family department, where I am currently working. I have learnt the most by working closely with others and absorbing information as much as possible.

Supervision and training is always excellent. I have regular meetings with my supervisor and I receive feedback on almost every piece of work I do. There is considerable client contact in this seat and I feel that this, in particular, has been invaluable. One of the most important skills I have learnt is communicating with clients in a professional and approachable manner and this seat allows you to do exactly that.

Every Monday morning, we have a departmental meeting to discuss each other’s calendars and workloads including the trainee’s work plan. This ensures that I always have varied and interesting work. It also means that if there are any interesting court appointments, I can find out about them and attend!

When one of the fee earners is away, I get the opportunity to cover their workload and consider their post/emails and decide what action is required. There is always plenty of support and supervision, yet it is really motivating to be given the opportunity to use my own initiative.

Throughout the morning, I am typically engaged in a variety of activities such as drafting court papers, attending client meetings, dictating letters, carrying out research, preparing a client’s financial disclosure or drafting instructions to counsel. In the family department, I am given five files from each fee earner to work particularly closely on. This enables me to follow cases from start to finish where possible, which is particularly satisfying.

At lunch time, I usually meet up with the other trainees. We discuss everything under the sun, including who is playing who in the Henmans tennis tournament!

Whenever there is a court appointment, I attend, whether on my own, with counsel, or with one of the fee earners. This is a fascinating opportunity to experience the court environment, watch negotiations unfold and listen to advocates arguing their cases.

The work-life balance here is excellent and encouraged. Fee earners are responsible for managing their own time and provided you work efficiently and manage your time well, it is rarely necessary to stay and work very late.