Being a trainee solicitor within the Family department is a multifaceted experience. The work is demanding and requires high levels of emotional intelligence. Yet, for someone who is passionate about making a difference and thrives from a challenge, a Family law seat has proven to be the perfect fit for me

The Nature of Family Law

While I’m still at the beginning of my legal career, I eagerly look forward to qualifying into this challenging yet highly rewarding area of law. Family law is intellectually stimulating, but also deeply emotional. Yes, it’s essential to have strong legal knowledge in areas such as divorce, separation, financial disputes, and child arrangements. However, it’s just as important to approach each case with a high degree of compassion. This is often seen in the form of both verbal and non-verbal communication, whether this be in client meetings, emails, or accompanying clients to court hearings. Excellent communication skills are vital to provide the best possible service to clients.

For me, Family law covers a wide range of issues, but its core purpose remains clear: to adopt a client-focused approach and ensure the rights and interests of all parties are protected, particularly safeguarding the welfare of any children.

Day-to-Day Life as a Trainee Solicitor

Dealing with a fast-paced environment means no two days are ever the same in Family! One morning I might be in the office, conducting legal research; the next, I could be attending a court hearing. By the afternoon, I could be taking notes in a client meeting or preparing a court bundle. The responsibilities I handle as a trainee vary widely, and while I haven't been asked to manage complex legal cases right from the start, I've gradually taken on more responsibility as I progress in my training. Here’s a glimpse into what a typical day might involve:

Court Hearings My favourite days at work tend to be ones where I have the opportunity to attend court. Why? For me, it is one of the most exciting aspects of being a Family law trainee! The experience of observing Counsel and gaining first-hand courtroom exposure is invaluable in the early stages of a legal career. For instance, at a financial dispute resolution (FDR) appointment, I’ve learned the importance of good negotiation skills in reaching a financial settlement. If the parties can't agree, the case progresses to a final hearing, where you see the court’s role in interpreting the law. By attending court hearings, I’ve come to appreciate how crucial it is to be an exceptional advocate and present facts and evidence effectively, as these elements play a significant role in determining the final outcome.

Drafting Much of my work has involved drafting various legal documents, such as divorce applications, financial consent orders, and application notices. One document that becomes particularly familiar to any Family law trainee, is the Form E financial statement. My first drafting exercise of this particular form seemed daunting due to the length and complexity, but with the help of online resources and feedback from my supervisor, I now feel much more confident. I’ve also developed a personal precedent from the feedback derived from my supervisor. This document has since become an essential tool that guides me through the drafting process, allowing me to improve each time I complete a Form E.

Financial Disclosure Financial disclosure is another critical task I handle. It involves collecting and organizing supporting financial documents, in both a digital and paper format. It requires a keen eye for detail, strong organisational skills, and proficiency with digital tools. The financial disclosure bundles I put together often include a variety of evidence, including mortgage statements, property valuations, bank and building society accounts, pension records, wage slips, and tax returns. Ensuring everything is accurately documented is essential for the smooth progression of cases.

Client Meetings Client meetings are another aspect I truly enjoy. While practice and repetition are key to learning, I’ve found that observing others has taught me a great deal. I have particularly enjoyed picking up new client-solicitor behaviour techniques. For example, Family law often involves situations where clients are undergoing significant life changes. Hence, the ability to empathise with clients, whilst maintaining professional boundaries, is essential. I’ve also seen firsthand how sensitive communication can aid clients to feel supported and have better understanding of their legal options.

Completing my day As someone who has undertaken the Legal Practice Course (LPC) route for qualification, I am required by the SRA to maintain an adequate record of my training. Thereby, I usually end my day by updating my Training Logs. This process allows me to reflect on the tasks I’ve undertaken and monitor my development. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how much I’ve grown in my role and to track the increasing responsibility I’ve taken on since the beginning of my training seat.

Challenges & Rewards

Family law is undeniably demanding. Deadlines can be tight, and case files can evolve rapidly. As a trainee, you often need to think on your feet, take initiative, and remain efficient under pressure. However, with all these challenges come many rewards. The unpredictability of Family law can be testing, but I strongly believe it also makes it exciting and dynamic. This area of law prepares you to master a future legal career through the development of new skills and expanding your legal knowledge. You will be exposed to various complicated areas of law, ranging from matrimonial issues to child custody, all of which enables you to carve out your niche and particular interest within the broader field.

Advice for Aspiring Trainees

Looking back on my journey so far, my main piece of advice is to remember that Family law isn’t just about divorce and legal disputes; it’s about people. To be an effective lawyer in this field, you must balance empathy with objectivity, focusing on the facts while remaining sensitive to the emotional nature of the cases. As a trainee, you play a crucial role in helping shape positive outcomes for clients. Each task you undertake will help you build valuable skills and deepen your understanding of the legal system as a whole.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Family law is without a doubt one of the most impactful areas of law to work in. Consequently, if you have the opportunity to undertake a seat in Family whilst training as a Solicitor, you will undeniably reap numerous rewards, including immense satisfaction and professional growth. Moreover, every file I have assisted with has allowed me to flourish and prepare for the future Solicitor I aspire to become.

Author: Aminah Siddique

For more information on the Graduate Training Programme offered here at Gosschalks, please visit the Graduate Training section of our website.