Blogs

Monday morning …..

I arrive in the office with a fresh energy and a fully charged battery!

I had taken the Friday off, which has resulted in my office desk being filled up with papers! … I love the challenge. One day’s absence means I have to catch up quickly and keep up with new mail of the day. I’m excited as I look forward to find out what I have missed last Friday, enthusiastic to be able to progress matters for client’s today. 

Currently, I am undertaking a split seat across two departments as part of my training. Dispute Resolution/Litigation and Family Law. I love both areas as there are different aspects and legal issues involved in each, but both also have certain similarities, which I find useful as I am able to use my knowledge and experience across both. 

In Dispute Resolution, the range of disputes that I advise on vary. I regularly advise on disputes in relation to a contract or monies owed, between Landlord and Tenant, or between neighbours. All of the aforementioned involve court proceedings and it is challenging at times to ensure that we are fully prepared and comply with the strict court deadlines. The key to making this work, I have found out, is to plan ahead, to diarise well and work hard! Although it sounds obvious, this is definitely the winning formula.

Today I have a court hearing on one of my cases at 10.30, this which is taking place by telephone. For this hearing to take place smoothly, a lot of preparation is required. On this particular case, we are acting for the Claimant, I have ensured that the court hearing bundle has been prepared and sent to the Court and the Defendant in advance of the hearing. I have also had to ensure that the client and the barrister have been sent a copy in advance as well as the barrister being fully briefed. Making sure that we have complied with the court directions is essential and integral to the litigation process. At exactly 10.30 am I receive a call from the court and the hearing begins …. I take full notes of the hearing which lasts for one hour Thereafter, I have a discussion with the client to discuss the case and the next steps required. As soon as this is completed, I put my Family Law hat on and prepare a divorce application. I complete this online for speed, check everything is agreed by the client and then submit it. 

I look at my list to do, it is still as long as my arm and many tasks to get through before the day ends …. I am suddenly called by reception and they tell me a present is waiting for me at Reception. I am happy to hear that! Within a few minutes it is brought up to my office, it is a thank you card with a box of chocolates from a client that I had recently helped and settled a case for. I have a huge grin on my face, which takes me back to memories when I was studying to become a solicitor … in those days, I used to dream to become a lawyer to help others! To help them in difficult and challenging times in their lives, to assist them in their legal matters! This gives me huge pleasure and I am incredibly happy that I am able to achieve this even in my junior training years. 

Life as a trainee, is challenging, completing a variety of tasks on a daily basis but I love it and I am proud to be completing my training with a firm like Curwens. 

I am grateful for the support and glad to be part of the Curwens family team sharing in their ethos of providing quality legal advice with exceptional service levels.