Law Society Exams FE1 and life as a solicitor trainee

M

MarySmyth

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I am currently studying 4 of the subjects on the Law Society FE1 course. Any comments or exam tips? also what's life like a trainee solicitor?

Many thanks
 
The main study tip I can think of is to put in the time and effort. The exams are not easy and you need to put in the effort. Preparatory courses are a good idea especially if you havent studied law before and/or you are out of study practice for a while.
The life of a Trainee depends on what experience you have prior to passing the exams. Most Firms will try and give you experience in all areas of law that they cover (family, conveyancing, litigation etc) during your training contract so you get to experience as much as possible. The level of responsibilty you are given would depend on your experience and depend on the firm.
It has been rumored that the argest firms tend to use their trainees for the mundane tasks such as photocoping, preparation of Briefs etc. This may not be true and anyway, i suppose any expereicne is better than none.
 
Its a while since I was an apprentice but I can say with certainty that the experience you will have will definitely depend on the firm you work for. I had a fantastic apprenticeship and a brilliant master. A friend of mine was shown a large pot plant on his first day and was told to sit behind it as his master didn't want to be able to see him...I worked for a small rural firm so as well as helping with the photocopying, post and banking (all the mundane stuff), I experience plenty of court work, engineering inspections, call outs to make wills, and all sorts of work from the ridiculous to the sublime. I really enjoyed my apprenticeship, due in no small part to the master I had.
 
Securing post as solicitor trainee (post FE1)

Hi to you both and many thanks for info. Much appreciated. Any tips for securing post as trainee following FE1- i hear it is particularly difficult. I have previously completed B.Comm., M.B.S. and H.D.E. In addition, i currently have worked for 7 years in local authorities around country at various levels up to middle management.

Thanks again
 
That plant pot wouldnt have lasted long if I was told to sit behind it. The neck of some people.
Would it be worth it working in an atmosphere like that? I dont think any significant amount of money would compensate for that behaviour.
 
Re: Securing post as solicitor trainee (post FE1)

MarySmyth said:
Any tips for securing post as trainee following FE1- i hear it is particularly difficult.
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If you dont have any experience working in a Solicitors office, it may take a while to get a contract. For example, If I was on the look-out for a trainee, I would be more interested in someone who had experience in a solicitors office than someone who had great University results but no experience.
It may not be as hard as you think though, why not send out some cv's and see what kind of a reaction you get? Theres no point in taking the first thing you get offered, out of desperation though.
 
Thanks for reply D.

In my current role, i work with solicitors and barristers on a frequent basis in preparing cases for courts (District and Circuit). Would this be helpful or of interest?
 
I am studying 4 FE1 subjects at a Dublin college (one weekday evening and Saturday)- Not much study done to date. Is anyone in same situation?

Would anyone be interested in setting up a study group?
 
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