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Trainee network

Shoosmiths’ trainees are encouraged to be active away from their desks and to build contacts both inside and outside the firm. Firstly, we encourage the trainees to bond as a group, since we have found from experience that the trainees form a very strong support network for each other – and become good friends.

This all starts from the point at which we offer people training contracts and we make sure to put everyone in touch with each other so they know who they’ll be working with in a year or two’s time. Prior to starting we also arrange a few socials to get everyone together and break the ice. The first week of employment is more a week of enjoyment as we run an induction for the new trainees which introduces them to various aspects of Shoosmiths and gives the trainees some fun as a group before the real work starts.
Once in the office, the trainees are encouraged to maintain the links they’ve made and it remains the case each year that if you want to know any gossip around the firm, just ask a trainee – if they don’t know the answer, they’ll tap into their trainee grapevine and find the answer within minutes!

External networking

There are many localised organisations and activities which the trainees get involved in, including the local branch of the Junior Lawyers’ Division and an initiative called New Friday (created by Shoosmiths trainees) which aims to change the face of networking events for good – no more stuffy drinks & canapes with senior executives - instead bring on the local bar, an informal dress code and some fun in the shape of cocktail-making lessons or a magician. See http://www.facebook.com/newfriday  for details.

Magdalena Konig is a 2nd year trainee in Birmingham and the Social Secretary of the Birmingham Trainee Solicitors’ Society (BTSS):

Although I am first and foremost a trainee at Shoosmiths, for a year I have taken on the responsibility of being the BTSS Social Secretary, a daunting role as the BTSS has approximately 350 members, but also a very exciting position.

The BTSS comprises Trainee Solicitors and Barristers, Newly Qualified Solicitors, Paralegals and LPC Student Members. The BTSS aims to forge links with other professions and to have a positive impact on the community, whilst bringing fellow young lawyers together in a range of environments including at regular social, charitable, cultural and sporting events.

Shoosmiths particularly encourage their trainees to be sociable by attending client and non client events to network and develop contacts for the future. I like to think of myself as social and personable so I decided to run for the Social Secretary role and won the elections!

My responsibilities for the BTSS are as flexible as I and the rest of the BTSS committee make them.  I have organised a social event once a month since being elected as well as a Brazilian Rio carnival Summer Ball which included a live samba band and dancing until dawn. Ive also helped organise the fire and ice themed annual dinner complete with break dancers, and other events such as a canal boat booze cruise, comedy night, and a race night.

Shoosmiths have been supportive in my role for the BTSS and encourages other members of the firm to support my events and to get involved with the other BTSS activities. Some of these other activities include the inter-firm sports trophy and the football and netball tournaments, which allows trainees to let their competitive sides run wild on the respective pitches and courts.

As well as the BTSS, within our office we have social and charity committees. This is a great platform to meet people from other departments within the firm and it’s a great opportunity to have some fun. Recently we held our Christmas Family Day at Birmingham, a Halloween Spooktacular, and the Shoos Quiz.

The trainees themselves are another great network for socialising as you will meet up with the other trainees from across the offices to complete the PSC course and at regular events throughout the year. It’s always great to chat to the other trainees to ask questions and get advice on seat choices, PSC training and have a general catch up. This year some trainees have organised a Christmas Meal to get together and celebrate the festive season.

 

Amy Irvine is a 1st year trainee in Solent and was Chair of the South Hampshire Junior Lawyers Division (SHJLD) whilsy at law school:

Like many of my peers I had never lived in the location where I had been recruited.  As such, I didn't have a ready-made social group which you are lucky to have throughout School, University and to some extent Law School. I had heard of the Junior Lawyers Division whilst at Law School and soon found out that there was an active branch in South Hampshire (The South Hampshire JLD - SHJLD).

The SHJLD's remit is to bring fellow young lawyers together in a range of environments including at monthly social drinks, charitable, educational, pastoral and sporting events. For me, it was a great opportunity to meet with kindred spirits, experiencing the highs and lows of Training Contracts and their new surroundings.  For others, the events provide an ideal opportunity to hone networking skills in a relatively safe environment. I was asked to join the Committee to help boost sponsorship opportunities and to assist in arranging events including the Annual Summer Ball and other social events. Keen to get involved I jumped at the opportunity and the following year I was elected as Chair of the SHJLD.  My role as Chair was to oversee the general running of Committee and the wider membership.  In order to make membership as worthwhile as possible we forged links and held cross-networking events with other young professional groups in the area including the Young Accountants and the MATRICS (junior surveyors' group).

During my term as Chair I was approached by the Hampshire Law Society (HLS), who, like many regional Law Societies were struggling to recruit younger members of the local law community.  The Hampshire Law Society provide an important, but too often forgotten role as they represent the interests of Hampshire Lawyers at Chancery Lane as well as providing a range of CPD and other educational and social events . As part of my role as Chair of the SHJLD I was committed to ensure the future of the HLS by promoting it and its services to the younger lawyers in Hampshire.  I attended a couple of HLS Committee Meetings and it soon became apparent that they required an injection of 'young blood' at both Committee and membership level. I was co-opted onto the Committee and since then have been active in establishing a Mentoring Scheme within the Society as well as supporting events encouraging more junior members to get involved.
Whilst I am no longer Chair of the SHJLD, I still attend their monthly social events, a great opportunity to catch up with old friends as well as meeting new local lawyers. 

By getting involved in both the Junior Lawyers Division and Hampshire Law Society I have firmly established myself in the in the local law community and have made a number of great friends and other contacts along the way. I would recommend for all trainees to get involved with local groups such as these, especially if like so many they are new to an area. 

 

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Get in touch

Rita Tappia

Professional Recruitment Manager
T: 03700 86 4155
I: +44 (0)121 625 4155
E: rita.tappia@shoosmiths.co.uk