Trainee Solicitor Hollie has worked at Marsden Rawsthorn since January 2017. She is currently undertaking the third seat of her training contract in the Dispute Resolution Department.
Hollie has recorded a day in her life as a Trainee Solicitor.
Starting the day
9am-10:30am
This morning I am attending Court with Senior Paralegal, Julie Flynn. We are seeking a possession order for our Landlord client. The Tenant is in significant rent arrears.
Julie is very experienced in Landlord and Tenant matters. After reading through the file yesterday, I check to clarify a few details with her on the journey to Preston County Court.
The Tenant attends the hearing and Julie acts as an excellent advocate, arguing why possession should be granted.
The possession order is granted by the Judge under the mandatory ground 8 (Housing Act 1988). I assist Julie by making handwritten notes so I can create an attendance record. I will type this up and add it to the file.
10:30am -12:00pm
Once I return to the office, I assist Solicitor, Katy Rider, in drafting a letter of response regarding a boundary dispute.
Our client owns a large plot of land but there is a dispute as to where exactly the boundaries with the neighbouring property lie.
Our client has recently instructed a surveyor to assess the land, so I read through this report. I also inspect the Land Registry title documents and plans in order to draft a well-argued response.
As I have already completed seats in residential and commercial property, I feel confident in reading property deeds. I then send the letter to Katy for her feedback, and we discuss the case.
Lunchtime
12pm
As I am based at the Fulwood office, there are several options available for lunch.
Today is a beautiful sunny day so I meet fellow trainee solicitors Zoe and Dani, for lunch in a nearby park. We discuss how our training is going.
1pm – 2:30pm
Head of Dispute Resolution, Karl Wilson, has asked me to carry out some legal research for him relating to a breach of contract case. He is instructed by a local company whose service contract has been breached.
The legal research relates to a niche area of the law, so I use Practical Law and Lexis to research further. I email Karl the research note including an explanation into the case law that he can rely on in the case.
2:30pm – 4:00pm
Julie has a new prospective client to contact and asks me to assist. This particular case concerns a couple who jointly own a property and have now separated.
Our client has moved out of the property and the ex-partner still resides there. Our client is keen to move on with her life and get back on the property ladder.
Julie explains that we will write to the client’s ex-partner with a letter before claim and suggested way forward.
If there can be no agreement reached with regard how our client can realise their equity in the property, then there will need to be an application to the court under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 for an order of sale of the property.
I draft a client care letter and letter before claim, then send this to Julie for her approval and comments.
End of the day
4:00pm – 5:00pm
Katy and her clients have a meeting with Counsel, and I am able to observe This matter concerns a Will that is in dispute.
Our client is a beneficiary of the estate, who has been left a Property in the Will. However, another relative is making a claim under The Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975. They argue that they should be entitled to a share of the estate.
The case is now at a stage where it is appropriate to seek opinion from Counsel to advise on the case.
I assist Katy with many cases like this. Katy is currently completing the ACTAPS course, to become a specialist in this area of dispute.
I make detailed notes throughout the consultation in order that I can type up a comprehensive attendance note for Katy’s file.
The client will also benefit from being able to review the points that have been discussed and the advice that has been given.
Varied work
As you can see, the work of a Trainee Solicitor in the Dispute Resolution team is very varied. In one day, five different areas of law have been covered.
If you need advice in relation to a dispute contact the office on 01772 799600 to speak with a lawyer who can assist.
