Ten top tips from a trainee solicitor in Employment Law

After earning a First Class Law Degree from the University of Liverpool, Luke Amarn completed his Legal Practice Course at the University of Law in 2024. He joined the Furley Page Trainee Solicitor Programme, and will start at the firm as an Employment Solicitor in September.

1. Be ready to learn every day

As a trainee, you will inevitably work in areas and on topics where you have little or no experience. This can feel daunting and may take time to adjust to, but this feeling is entirely normal. It is important to approach each seat and task with a willingness to learn, and to absorb as much information as possible.

When I first started my second seat in Furley Page’s Employment Law team, I noticed how my knowledge and confidence had grown compared to when I first started. This progression is a key part of the training experience and an important part of the journey towards qualification as a solicitor.

Furthermore, during my time on the team, I have assisted in advising several high-profile clients under supervision by drafting handbooks and policies, carrying out research, and preparing notes of advice to support meetings. This experience has helped me to develop and refine these skills, which will be invaluable in my future work as a qualified solicitor.

2. Feeling stuck? Ask for help early

From my experience in the Employment team, it has been clear that members of the team are there to help – recognising this is a key hurdle that many trainee solicitors should overcome. Of course, it is always better to seek clarification at an early stage than to risk producing incorrect work, and this can not only benefit you but trainees that come after you.

Remember, the purpose of a training contract is to learn and develop. No-one is expecting you to be the finished article.

3. Quality over quantity

Don’t let the quality of your work suffer because you are trying to do too much. This can be difficult to grasp at first, particularly when you want to impress and demonstrate that you can handle responsibility. While this should not be to the detriment of the standard of your work, producing fewer pieces of high-quality work is far more valuable than completing a large volume to a lower standard.

4. Talk to people

During my training contract, I have always spoken openly with my colleagues. Because it is a relatively small team, this has helped me to build strong working relationships with senior team members and colleagues. Clear communication encourages constructive feedback and a comfortable, supportive work environment.

5. Plan your time

There will certainly be times during your training contract when deadlines are fast approaching, and you are being given more work from other members of your team. Therefore, it is important to keep track of tasks and deadlines to allow yourself a reasonable amount of time to complete each task properly. Developing strong organisational skills early on will set a positive precedent for the rest of your career as a solicitor.

6. Responding to feedback

Feedback from your supervisor on your performance during a seat is extremely valuable, it is an opportunity to receive a detailed overview of your progress. I frequently review my work and discuss my conclusions with the Employment Law Head of Team, Andrew Masters. I find these meetings productive because I approach feedback with an open mind and recognise that it is intended to support my development and help me to progress.

7. Build strong relationships

Building strong relationships with your colleagues is one of the most rewarding aspects of being a trainee solicitor. Making the effort to connect with people from different backgrounds helps to create a positive working culture and boosts overall morale. Also, developing these relationships can be helpful when deciding which areas of law, you would like to specialise in, as you will already be familiar with the team.

8. Each seat will help identify your ideal area for qualification

Whilst your training contract is an opportunity to experience different areas of law, it is also important to reflect on whether each seat is an area you could see yourself pursuing. I realised fairly early on that Employment was an area that genuinely interested me, and this meant I was better placed to position myself strongly when it came to qualification. As a result, I was fortunate to return to the team for my final seat, which has further supported my growth and strengthened my knowledge. Furthermore, I am set to join the Employment team in September after qualifying.

9. Look after yourself

During a training contract, you will experience an array of emotions and often be working hard to present the best version of yourself. While showing commitment is important, it is equally vital to ensure you are taking care of yourself by getting enough rest and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Looking after your wellbeing outside of work allows you to perform more effectively and sustain your development.

10. Networking and social events

Since starting my training contract, I have taken part in a number of networking, social and work events – including the East Kent Ploughing Match, the Annual Dragon Boat Challenge, a Bat & Trap event, networking drinks hosted by 42BR, and an event hosted by Canterbury Rugby Club. They have helped me build connections with colleagues from different offices and departments, as well as representing Furley Page to clients and the wider community.

I have also attended several Employment Law seminars across Kent, focusing on developments in Employment Law and how employers can best prepare for these changes. These seminars have been extremely valuable in broadening my knowledge of Employment Law and giving me the opportunity to connect with others who share similar interests.