Womble Bond Dickinson

What it involves:

Working on property transactions and advising clients on matters involving leases, acquisitions, disposals and property management. The work can involve several transactions progressing simultaneously, with deadlines influenced by client requirements.

Example trainee tasks:

Drafting and reviewing leases, licences and property agreements; investigating titles; responding to Land Registry requisitions; conducting due diligence; corresponding with clients and other solicitors.

Who trainees work with:

Supervisors, associates, partners, clients, other solicitors and third parties such as the Land Registry and insurers.

Early responsibility:

Trainees may communicate directly with clients, progress transactions and take responsibility for particular workstreams. Some have been given responsibility for managing smaller sale and purchase matters.

Support and supervision:

Supervisors provide guidance on drafting and transaction management, with regular workload discussions and opportunities to ask questions as matters progress.

A first month might involve:

Learning the team's processes, reviewing transaction documents, carrying out title investigations, drafting initial correspondence and supporting live property matters.

What it involves:

Advising employers on workplace matters and supporting employment disputes, including Employment Tribunal proceedings. Work can range from day-to-day employment advice to litigation involving grievances, discrimination, disciplinary matters and redundancies.

Example trainee tasks:

Drafting employment contracts, settlement agreements, witness statements, tribunal documents and advice notes; conducting legal research; reviewing documents and preparing correspondence.

Who trainees work with:

Supervisors, associates, partners, clients, counsel, opposing solicitors and colleagues across other practice areas.

Early responsibility:

Trainees may attend client calls, communicate directly with clients, draft substantive documents and assist with the management of Employment Tribunal matters.

Support and supervision:

Supervisors provide guidance on legal advice, drafting and case strategy. Trainees can discuss their workload and receive feedback as their responsibilities develop.

A first month might involve:

Becoming familiar with active employment matters, researching workplace issues, preparing initial drafts of advice and tribunal documents, and attending client or internal team meetings.

What it involves:

Supporting clients involved in disputes concerning property, land and commercial premises. Matters may involve negotiations, court proceedings and the preparation of legal notices or claims.

Example trainee tasks:

Drafting claim forms, legal notices and correspondence; conducting legal research and due diligence; preparing court documents; responding to client enquiries and liaising with the courts.

Who trainees work with:

Supervisors, associates, partners, clients, opposing solicitors, counsel and court staff.

Early responsibility:

Trainees may draft documents for live disputes, communicate with clients, assist with case progression and attend virtual or in-person hearings.

Support and supervision:

Supervisors provide guidance on case strategy and drafting. Team meetings and workload discussions help trainees manage competing deadlines and seek support when needed.

A first month might involve:

Reviewing active disputes, learning court procedures, preparing draft correspondence and claim documents, carrying out research and attending team meetings.