Name: Richard C Jaques

Age: 26

Occupation: Trainee Solicitor

University: University of Birmingham

Degree: BA – Geography


Let me take you back to where it all started…

There I am, outside the doors of Walker Morris, nervously straightening my tie, before striding through the doors as a trainee for the very first time. Other than trying to remember who it was I was supposed to ask for at reception, what exactly was going through my mind?

This is a little over a year ago now – me, Trainee Solicitor, really? Are you sure? Apparently so and what’s more, I am due in my department in a matter of minutes so I shouldn’t really stand here chatting...

1 DO YOU WANT TO BE PART OF A TEAM?
Maybe I was wondering if, as a first year, I would be made to feel like a real member of a team that was adding value whilst exposed to some quality work. I shouldn’t have worried. As a Corporate trainee, within weeks, I was travelling the country with experienced lawyers as part of a £160m disposal of a food business.

2 DO YOU WANT REAL RESPONSIBILITY, BACKED UP WITH GENUINE SUPPORT?
Maybe I was worried that, given my inexperience, I couldn’t possibly be trusted with any proper work? However, the first week of my Litigation seat, I found myself across the desk from a District Judge in his chambers arguing the merits of a charging order application.

But what if it all goes a bit "Pete Tong"? Now that really did make me sweat on that sunny September morning a year ago. Of course they tell you that you’ll be sharing a room with a partner, but they don’t actually mean it do they? What about the "interim supervisor" that I had heard about at other firms which meant you never actually met the person who was responsible for your welfare.

Again, I needn’t have worried. There he was, rising with a grin and outstretched hand, and it was reassuring to know that he will only ever be a matter of feet away whenever I have a question. Walker Morris doesn’t do isolation, so relax.

3 HOW ABOUT MAKING REAL FRIENDS IN THE WORKPLACE?
On day one, more than anything, I was probably worried about whether I would get an opportunity to mix socially with people in the office and whether I would get to know people from other departments with whom I could share a joke, lunch, or a pint.

Given an instant peer group as the largest trainee recruiter in the city, whether it is the trainee dinner, a TSG event or even end of month drinks, there is more than enough to keep you occupied.

That first day is a memory now, so I would hope you could forgive me for forgetting exactly which tie it was that I was tweaking at that morning. One thing I do know with absolute clarity however, is that after having been part of multi-million pound deals, running my own files in the County Court and spending weekends away with the same people who supervised my work, I have been very fortunate to meet so many talented, yet frequently humble, people who go out of their way to make you feel genuinely welcome. But most importantly, rarely have I been this happy.