Get to Know Our Trainee Solicitor - Sophie Birkbeck
Sophie is a trainee solicitor, currently in our Property Litigation team. She shares her own experience of being a trainee at VWV, particularly during the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.
A Bit About Me
I joined VWV in 2017 as a paralegal in the Private Client team and was offered a training contract the following year. In 2018 I began the LPC course, funded by VWV. This course really helped me to prepare for my training contract and teach me the basic skills of being a solicitor.
Before returning to begin my training contract, I travelled to Vietnam and Thailand for 6 weeks. VWV accommodated for this period of traveling and fortunately I was offered a paralegal position in the interim when I returned. I then began my training contract in March 2020.
Preparing for a Pandemic
Two weeks into my training contract and the UK was put into lockdown. At this point in my career I had never worked remotely, and everything seemed so uncertain. Fortunately, VWV reacted quickly to the change in work environment and we were all provided with IT equipment to help us to continue working as normally as possible. Throughout my first seat in Commercial Property, my team were incredibly welcoming and made sure we all stayed in contact during the lockdown period, from team meetings to monitor everyone's workload, to social catch ups and quizzes.
Teamwork and collaboration is one of the firm's core values and this really became apparent when we were thrown into the deep end at the start of lockdown. My supervisors worked really hard to ensure my supervision and training did not suffer. I was able to join meetings remotely via video call, and dial in to conference calls with clients. Whilst the restrictions were less strict, I met with my supervisor at least once a week in the office to review legal documents I had drafted. This really helped with supervision and allowed me to evaluate my work and ask lots of questions.
Although the experience did not match identically to what I was expecting when I started as a trainee back in March 2020, these circumstances have meant that as trainees we have had to learn to be flexible, adaptable and versatile. The skills we have learnt and the experience gained will definitely be of use in our future careers.
No one could have prepared for the pandemic. However, VWV, and my team specifically, adapted very quickly and worked hard to make sure everyone felt supported. I hope to return to the office once the refurbishment works have been completed within the Watford office, whilst having the balance of working with my team remotely.
What Can You Expect as a Trainee?
As a Commercial Property trainee I was heavily involved in the drafting of leases. Within this time I learnt the importance of certain clauses, when acting for the landlord and how this would change if our client was a tenant. This experience has allowed me to understand how to analyse the client's best interests, and further ensure these interests are always at the forefront of any drafting.
There are also many other opportunities for trainees to get involved with activities outside of their usual working day, for example, the Green Team who ensure the firm has initiatives in place to minimise energy use, cut waste and encourage recycling. In addition to this, the CSR team also work hard to organise fundraising events to help support the firm's chosen charity, Princes Trust.
Advice for Future Trainees
My advice to future trainees joining VWV or even just a new team, is whether you join virtually or in person, do not let it ruin your experience. Your team, especially your supervisor, will be used to working and supervising remotely, so make good use of those working around you - ask lots of questions, whenever you have them, your team are there to help! Get involved and be proactive.