Bonding

It's that time of year when law firms are hiring new trainees, paralegals and law graduates. I've always been one for socialising, and I believe that it's vital to get to know those that you will spend approx 40 hours a week with, properly.

At my firm, sometimes it can be difficult to speak to everyone.  The office consists of four converted historic buildings, and therefore our individual offices can be hiding down separate hall ways or in areas that you wouldn't need to access. 

I decided to hold a bonding session for those ranging from Paralegal/Legal Assistant up to newly qualified Solicitor.  After a long week at work we went for burger and chips at a local bar & grill to get to know one another outside of the office. The evening was a success and it was great to speak to my colleagues outside of the working environment, particularly those that I don't get to see much. Everyone talked about what stage they were currently at in their careers and where they would like to be in the future.  There were a lot of 'I have no idea what I want do's, but that's all part of workingup the legal ladder!  There are so many areas to qualify in, sometimes it seems impossible finding one area to work in upon qualification.

I have been with my firm since May, and within these six months the firm has hired a handful of law graduates for a variety of positions, I almost feel like part of the furniture already! We have already taken on our Trainee Solicitor for September 2016 who is currently a Paralegal whilst completing the Legal Practice Course.  We have also hired other legal assistants which hold law degrees.

It's great that there is a group of us that are currently going through the same process but at different stages.  This way we are able to ask each other any questions we may have and seek advice from each other.  The aim of the bonding evening was to make everyone feel comfortable enough to ask questions and seek advice, no matter how simple it may be.

As the evening was a success, I will definitely be organising another evening together. Plus, as you can see by the photo, the burger was delicious!