9.00am: I arrive at the office and check my emails. After an initial read, I write a list of all the tasks that need to be completed during the day and their order of priority. I briefly discuss my list of tasks with my supervisor, with whom I share an office. In particular, a partner has asked me to urgently review a draft purchase agreement for a client, which I begin immediately.
11.30am: After a short break and a cup of coffee, I attend a meeting with the partner to discuss my thoughts on the draft purchase agreement, in advance of a call with the client at 12pm.
12.00pm: I join the partner for a call with the client to discuss the agreement and the next steps needed to carry the transaction forward. I take notes during the call and then discuss the client's comments with the partner afterwards. After the meeting, I make the necessary changes to the document and forward a copy to the client.
1.00pm: I walk to Spitalfields market to buy some lunch with another trainee and we return to eat in the 'break out' area of our office together with the other trainees.
2.00pm: For the past few weeks I have been working with an associate to register a new pro bono client as a charity. I telephone the client regarding the incorporation documents we have prepared and the outstanding issues to be addressed. After the call, I meet with the associate to discuss the client's requests and the proposed document changes, which I will complete tomorrow.
3.00pm: I receive an email from a partner to carry out research into a company and its most recent activities. I spend some time researching the company's constitutional documents, corporate structure and recent news headlines, and prepare a summary email listing the most important issues which I then send to the requesting partner.
4.15pm: My supervisor had emailed me yesterday evening to draft a short deed of release for a client ready to be sent tomorrow. I briefly discuss this with my supervisor and read the relevant documents sent by the client. After some further research, I begin drafting the document and my supervisor assists me with the questions I have regarding the draft.
6.30pm: I provide the completed draft deed of release to my supervisor who checks it. My supervisor explains the amendments she has made to the draft before she sends it to the client (a day before the client's deadline!).
7.15pm: As secretary of the firm's pro bono steering committee, I am in charge of co-ordinating quarterly committee meetings and taking minutes. Following a meeting yesterday, I prepare the minutes and forward them to the head of the committee for review. I will email the final approved minutes to the committee later in the week.
7.45pm: I finish work for the day and walk to Brick Lane to join some friends for dinner.