A Trainee’s First Mid-Seat Review

A year after completing my vacation scheme with Hunters, my training contract started on the 29th of September. Just four months later, I am over halfway through my first seat in the Private Client Department.

I was part of the first year where the vacation scheme was part of the training contract application and looking back, I am very grateful for this. It gave me a chance to see how I fit into the firm and what training here would be like. The first thing that drew me to Hunters and what has made the transition from studying to practicing law enjoyable is the culture of the firm. People are genuinely friendly and available to help, whether it is reviewing a draft of a letter, or helping to find something on the system there has rarely been a time where I have felt unsupported. New trainees are given a second-year training buddy, and I have a weekly meeting with my Training Partner and a monthly meeting with my Training Supervisor which allows me to discuss what I have been doing, gives me the chance to get feedback and ask for any specific work I would like to do more of.

The breadth of work in Private Client has also been a highlight. Hunters focuses on providing opportunities to learn by doing. I have been able to draft everything, from deeds to wills to codicils. Trainees are also prioritised to attend client meetings which has enabled me in some cases to sit in on a meeting, draft the document that was discussed and watch it be signed. Trainees are also encouraged to sit in on the training sessions for other departments as well, I recently attended a lunch and learn on due diligence in M&A transactions which was very helpful as my next seat is in Corporate.

Beyond work there are plenty of opportunities to get involved with the wider firm, I thoroughly enjoyed performing as part of the Hunters Choir at the Christmas Party, and despite possessing little sporting talent I am a proud member of the Hunters 5 aside football team.