Monday 23 January 2017

Careers Fairs, Court, Counsel and Free Advice



Over the past few weeks my work has been rather varied, but that's all part of being a Trainee!

Within the past few weeks I had to attend another careers fair which was held at a local high school (it's like they never end!). There were students as young as year 8s there so my role was generally to explain what a lawyer was to see if they would be interested in this sort of career. Sometimes I do wonder whether children of this age are receiving too much pressure and are forced into choosing a career too soon. I'm pretty sure that when I was in year 8 I wasn't even thinking of my GCSE's let alone career paths and how to get there.

I also attended my first court hearing on a personal injury case. Admittedly it was only to discuss the directions and costs, so the content wasn't too juicy. However it was good to experience this part of the procedure for a personal injury claim. Hopefully I can attend more court hearings in the near future.

Finally, it was my time to volunteer at the local law advice centre again. This is where free 30 minute sessions are given to those in the local area who perhaps may not have access to legal services. I always enjoy these sessions as you have to think on your feet and you're genuinely helping people who need it. I feel like during these sessions I was able to advise the clients on their next steps and I could tell them where to go if they ever find that they are stuck in the same situation.

It is almost the end of January which shows that this month/year is already speeding through. Let's hope for another month of variety, hard work and good fun!

Wednesday 4 January 2017

New Year, New Challenges



2017 is going to be all about setting myself challenges and having fun. Not only will I be qualifying this year, but I will be taking steps to move out of my parents house and actually give myself some responsibilities, it's about time!

Although I've set myself challenges, I'm going to take each month as it comes, identify what I need to do and see it through. I'm one of those people who sometimes thinks too much and then my head boils over.

It's back to reality for everyone, a minimum of 10 days off over Christmas and it seems as if it's absolutely flown by. It almost feels as if we never even had the time off! I think I did absolutely nothing over the Christmas period, except for watching all eight of the Harry Potter films, I felt the need to relive my childhood! My little nephew was born on 28 December so that was a lovely late Christmas present to have, and now I get to have all the cuddles in the world.

I hope that this year brings you peace and happiness, January is sometimes a quiet month for people so hopefully this can be a way to slowly ease yourself back into work!