Business Services Trainee (BST) Review

Conducting research and collecting know-your-client documentation. Reviewing travel reports for Posted Workers Directive and Brexit issues that a lawyer may face with their mobility and practicing rights. Drafting secondment documentation using precedents and templates. Supporting line manager with giving guidance to lawyers about their SRA compliance, practicing certificate renewal and how they can hold themselves out. Managing a client inbox that sends in requests, assigning those requests to lawyers for review and then tracking project progress providing tailored weekly reports.

Emotional intelligence, communication, teamwork, problem solving, proactivity, attention to detail, stakeholder management / engagement, time management, prioritisation, email protocol, legal terminology comprehension, approachability, project coordination, reporting accuracy, data analysis, process enhancement, knowledge transfer, detail orientation, inclusivity, confidence, ability to influence, critical thinking.

I was given a lot of responsibility during my placement. I was never treated as "the intern", I was treated as one of the team who, over time and after developing some skills, was given more tasks with higher autonomy. This really helped me to develop further and possibly try things I did not expect to do or know I enjoyed.

A lot of support and guidance. My line manager was always available if I had any problems to discuss where something might be going wrong and how it can be overcome. Open and honest communication was encouraged by the whole team so that if ever I had a question, I always knew I could walk up and ask without hesitance. Training and learning resources were freely available to me so that if I was not confident in a subject area or wanted to explore something further, I could always do so.

A very open culture. Highly encouraging when it comes to development with a focus on you as an individual so that you can give your best back to them. I was always felt there was a very friendly and warm atmosphere. I was treated with respect and my voice was always heard.

I cannot give higher praise for this placement. It has been a really eye opening experience and has been extremely helpful in finding what I would like to make a career out of. I have learnt a lot and been able to get involved with a diverse range of activities, projects and initiatives. I would recommend applying to anybody if they can.

Yes

Be yourself and be honest. It will be very obvious if you are not. Do your homework, read about the Firm values and culture and think about how it applies to your existing abilities and what you would like to learn more about. Be concise and to the point when providing answers.