TRAINING
Graduate training log-book
Your experiences and development during the scheme
February 2006
Induction Programme
Over the last week I’ve learned the exact nature of Lovells’ research resource and how to get the most from it. I’m sure this will prove invaluable as I hit the ground running next week.
I now also know my way around the building; the gym and the restaurant compete for my extra-curricular attention.
Mentoring and supervision
I will not be alone! I’m going to have a mentor assigned to me throughout my training programme. This fits with Lovells claim that trainees get unrivalled access to partners. I suspect they will prove a valuable sounding board.
Mandatory two year training programme
My two year training contract begins tomorrow – it looks like it will be as challenging and rigorous as I’d expect from Lovells. There’ll be about 120 hours of formal training alongside my day to day work in a number of different practice areas.
The idea is that I emerge not only as a good lawyer, but as a sound business adviser to our clients too.
I’ve summarised my understanding of the programme’s component parts.
The professional skills course
This represents a move beyond the theory of law and legal practice towards an understanding of how to function well at the “coal face” of law. It’ll involve the following courses: client care, professional standards, financial and business skills and advocacy and communication skills.
Practice Area Programmes
This is where specialisation begins. I’ll be taking one course for each of my four seats. I’m considering these: Corporate and Finance, Dispute Resolution, and Intellectual Property
Introduction to Specialist Groups
This covers any legal practice issues that I miss out on during my training programme, filling any gaps in my knowledge before the programme ends.
June 2007
Some highlights of the training contract to date
Client Care Course
Offered some valuable insight into the dos, and don’ts of effective client management. I don’t envisage a career without encountering a difficult client so the advice offered on how to deal with clients was well received.
Advocacy and Communication Skills
The course culminated in a mock trial and the chance to test some of the skills and “hands-on” techniques we’d learned earlier in the course. It was altogether useful and helpful.
Contractual Issues and Drafting Contracts
Knowing the pitfalls of drafting a clause will doubtless prove valuable. The trainer clearly knew his stuff and the help pack will certainly see some use.
March 2008
Foundation programme and continuing professional development
My training contract is over but in line with the firm’s principle of ongoing professional development, my training isn’t.
As a newly qualified lawyer I’ll be part of a foundation programme introducing me to type of work I’ll encounter in my chosen practice stream.
Given Lovells’ culture of easy access to different partners, and the firm’s breadth of practice, I doubt the training process will ever actually end.
We want our employees to have a positive, enduring impact on the success of the firm; our training process is designed to ensure that they do.
Expect up to 120 hours of formal training, supported by a programme of rigorous appraisals.
Because good lawyers have highly developed business and professional management skills, qualified Lovells' lawyers take part in training for their particular practice stream to enhance their legal training with broader business skills.