9.00am: I typically arrive in the office at 9.00am, and head straight to the cafe to collect a much-needed latte. While sipping my coffee, I generally read the 'daily bull' on my computer. This is an internal electronic bulletin which provides firm-wide information, and a space for staff to post social items.9.30am: I am currently supervised by Sarah Stowell, a partner in Private Wealth. This afternoon, we are meeting the trustees of a large will trust. In preparation for this meeting, I am asked to review the trust's investment performance and any potential tax liabilities which the trustees should be advised of.11.00am: One of the perks of sitting near the tax team is joining in their daily quiz. Russell (our quiz-master!) asks four questions from his book of trivia, and we all answer as a team. It's surprisingly good fun, even though I only manage to answer one question today!11.15am: Sarah and I discuss my preparation for this afternoon's meeting. She reads my note on potential tax liabilities and explains the trust's complex structure by drawing several detailed diagrams.11.30am: Email from Judith Millar, a partner, asking me to research a conflict of laws issue regarding succession planning. In her office, she explains that the client is a UK citizen domiciled in Switzerland whose personal position has recently changed. I prepare my advice, and leave a draft letter in Judith's in-tray. Judith will probably make some manuscript amendments and return the letter for me to prepare a final copy tomorrow.1.00pm: People often head to St James's Park for lunch if weather allows. Today I make my way to the café and have lunch with the other trainees.2.00pm: I have a number of matters which are my own responsibility. I check my task list and notice that a client hasn't returned a new will which was sent to him some days ago. I telephone the client who explains that he wishes to make an amendment to the will. I take the client's instructions, and agree to send a new will out in the post.

2.30pm: The trainees in Private Wealth are given at least one training session a week. Today our tutor is one of the department's professional support lawyers, Carolyn O'Sullivan. She expertly gives an overview of the capital gains tax regime for trusts.3.45pm: Sarah and I meet the trustees and their investment managers at our offices. My role is to take a note of the discussion. The investment managers give a presentation on how the trust's assets have faired over the past year, and Sarah advises the trustees on a number of tax and legal issues.5.00pm: Back at my desk, I dictate my note of the meeting for my secretary to type up the following day. I try to dictate attendance notes as soon as possible after meetings. This ensures that I don't miss important points which I may not have scribbled down during the meeting.6.00pm: Once I have updated my task list and checked the following day's calendar, I leave the office. There are often spontaneous post-work social gatherings, and tonight I stop by our local pub for a quick drink with a couple of other trainees before heading home.