Trainee Blog

I have recently started my training contract, with my first seat in the criminal department. I have already had the opportunity to carry out a variety of work and to experience different areas of criminal law including theft, burglary, robbery, assault, ABH and possession with intent to supply. My duties include considering evidence on files and drafting instructions to counsel. Along with my fellow trainee, I am responsible for dealing with the post for the department on a daily basis and liaising with police officers, the Crown Prosecution Service and the Courts, as well as clients, as required. In addition to this, I have attended meetings with clients in order to take their instructions.

So far my experience has involved spending time at both the Magistrates’ and Crown Courts where I have met with clients and counsel and clerked counsel at a variety of different types of hearings, including plea and case management hearings, sentencing hearings and applications for bail. I have found it interesting and extremely useful to experience what happens at different stages of a case.

I have gained police station experience by initially observing the solicitors in the department attending at the police station and giving advice to clients. I am now working towards my Police Station Accreditation and have had the opportunity to represent clients at the police station whilst being supervised. I am looking forward to becoming accredited, at which point I will be able to attend at the police station unsupervised to represent, and provide advice to, clients.