Trainee blog - Sarah McKeeve

Sarah obtained her LLB and Diploma from the University of Glasgow. After commencing her traineeship with Brodies in July 2013 with eight months in Glasgow’s Personal & Family team, Sarah flew her Glasgow nest to undertake a seat in the firm’s Edinburgh-based Corporate team. Now working in the Edinburgh’s Business Disputes and Asset Recovery (BDAR) litigation team, she looks forward to qualifying as a solicitor in July 2015.

Changing seats: ‘moving on up’!

A belated happy new year to everyone from all here at Brodies! I hope that you have all had a great start to your 2015.

In November, I was considering where in the firm I wanted to go for my third and final seat. Fast-forward a couple of months and I am now coming to the end of my second month as a trainee in our Business Dispute and Asset Recovery (BDAR) litigation team. This was my first choice, and I am absolutely delighted.

Like many of the experiences which trainees face, seat moves are intimidating. However, I think that switching teams and regularly leaving my comfort zone behind is a key way in which the traineeship has helped me to develop as a person, and as a lawyer.

Before you go: things to remember

• The seat allocations are out – you know where you’re going, and it's easy to start to focus on what comes next. Don't fall into this trap! You're still part of your existing team until you move on, and your final impressions as a team member will be even more important than your first. Keep your head in the game; now’s your chance to show your team what an asset you could be as an NQ later on.
• It is likely that one of your fellow trainees will be following in your footsteps, and the way you leave your seat will be fundamental in shaping the start of theirs. Think about your handover well in advance. Keep your supervising solicitor in the loop with what you’re doing and prepare a good, detailed handover note. Set out background facts where appropriate and let everyone know what needs to be done to take the matter forward.

Joining your new team: survival tips

The challenges of moving teams are obvious, and extend far beyond knowing which desk to sit at. However, there’s no need to be afraid.

• Firstly, remember that trainee rotations are a regular and familiar fixture in your firm. Most, if not all, of your qualified colleagues will have experienced it themselves. The Brodies BDAR teams in both Edinburgh and Glasgow have been fantastic at putting me at ease. They’ve made clear I shouldn’t sit and panic, or worse – take a stab and get it wrong, they’d all much rather I asked a question. So remember – you’re new, and nobody expects you to know everything. Those around you are there to help; don’t be afraid to ask ’silly‘ questions or to seek support. Also remember that your predecessor trainee is on hand. If you don’t feel comfortable asking one of your new team members, use a lifeline and phone a friend.
• Hard as it may seem, try to hit the ground running. Pick up the last trainee’s handover and find out what your supervisors want you to deal with. Your new colleagues will want to see that you’re organised; that you’re eager and willing to get started and that you’re not shy of taking on new tasks.
• It seems obvious, but make an effort to get to know the people you’re working with. If your colleagues know you, they’ll be even more ready and willing to help you. Not only that, but they’ll also trust you more and you’ll be exposed to better work. Importantly though, this will also make your seat much more fun. All work and no play makes trainee a dull girl or boy!