After three years in the waiting, I have finally started my training contract at Michelmores. Since attending the assessment day in 2009, the time has flown by and it certainly felt surreal to be walking through the doors again; but this time as a fully fledged employee!
Any first day nerves I had (and I certainly had a fair few) were soon abated by the friendliness that Michelmores is known for, which persuaded me to undertake my training here. We were taken to the board room for a fully packed induction day. I think we were all excited to see our ‘Trainee Solicitor’ name badges on the table, which we have since worn with pride each day to the amusement of everyone else in the firm, no doubt! The induction couldn’t have been more organised. Along with a talk about how to make the most out of our training contract, we were also introduced to the partners who head up each department and met our supervisors over a cream tea. I am starting in the Commercial Property department, and was taken on a tour of the department and introduced to so many people I contemplated writing a list so I didn’t embarrass myself by not remembering anyone’s name. A few of the current trainees took us to lunch at a local pub which was a great opportunity to ask questions and talk about life as a trainee.
After a few days of IT training, we finally had the first day in our department and at our desks. I made sure I brought in my own mug; it was nice to have something personal with me. Surprisingly, within the first morning my supervisor let me attend a client meeting with her to talk over the terms of an option agreement; I did my best to absorb all the new vocabulary. I have also been given a few files on my first day, and although exciting, I think it is natural to feel a little daunted but what I am sure of is that there is a strong support structure in place and my team ultimately want me to do well.
We still have a program of training to attend whilst working within our departments and already a fair few marketing events in the diary. I am looking forward to Wednesday where I will find out which sector I will be promoting.
We were also invited to attend the Michelmores Summer Ball at Exeter Castle, which was a fantastic evening. We have done so much it is hard to believe we have only been at the firm for four days!