9.00am: I usually arrive at my desk by 9:00am which gives me a chance to check my emails, any voicemails and grab a coffee from the Costa café in Milton Gate. I normally have a couple of cases on the go, currently including a professional negligence case and a copyright infringement matter involving a large client. I flag any important emails so that I can use my inbox as a to-do list (my top tip for aspiring trainees!) and then deal with the emails in order of urgency.
9.30am: I read relevant articles in the internal 'clients and markets' and 'daily legal update' emails. These are particularly useful to keep up to speed with business and legal developments, and the markets within which your clients specifically operate.
10.00am: On Monday mornings my team has an informal catch up, to discuss our current matters and any upcoming deadlines that we need to keep in mind. New cases are allocated to those with the most capacity and relevant experience, and we are kept up to speed on what the team is doing at all times.
10.30am: An urgent meeting has been scheduled with our client in the professional negligence matter, which I attend with my supervisor. We discuss any weaknesses in our case and how this affects the next steps which we will take.
11.30pm: As a result of the meeting, I use the thorough note that I have taken to draft a letter to the other side's solicitors setting out our client's position. Once completed, I submit this to my supervisor for his comments. Normally, we will sit down and discuss any comments which he has, and I have the opportunity to express the rationale behind my drafting. We will often come to a compromise based on both of our views and the letter is sent out.
12.30pm: Lunch time! If there is training scheduled for 1.00pm (once or twice a week), I will take an early lunch break with the other trainees in the Milton Gate restaurant.
1.30pm: I get back to my desk to see that I have received an email from a partner, asking me to research the extent to which correspondence with expert advisers is privileged. I immediately turn to the 'White Book' (the litigation Bible!) and other online research tools. I then draft a memo to the partner setting out my findings. Whilst doing this I make sure that I keep on top of any other emails and phone calls coming in.
3.30pm: I allocate 30 minutes each day to focus on the non-work activities, such as our CSR, graduate recruitment and international development programmes, that I am involved in. This is a great way to network within the firm and to put your own stamp on any initiatives which you manage yourself.
5.30pm: I have a quick chat with my team to discuss any loose ends and outstanding matters that have come in throughout the day. If possible, I get in order anything which I need to do tomorrow so that I avoid wasting time in the morning.
6.30pm: There are usually a number of things going on after work. On Tuesday I volunteer at our pro bono clinic in Lambeth, and on Friday the trainees usually go out after work for a couple of drinks!
, third-seat trainee, Addleshaw Goddard