Hi, I'm Jennifer, a second-year trainee in the Immigration department.
Before starting my traineeship, I was intrigued by the variety of departments within the firm. I was not sure which area of law I wanted to go into after finishing my diploma, so I wanted to choose a firm where I could get a good variety of experience. I felt Drummond Miller had a very good reputation and when I met some of the trainees at a law fair, they spoke highly about the work culture and environment, which was important to me.
Trainee life is a lot less stressful than you would imagine. At Drummond Miller everyone is very supportive and they understand that you are training. Being a trainee does not mean that you will only be doing simple tasks, you will often face new and challenging tasks, that will require research. I feel Drummond Miller gives their trainees a lot of responsibility, but this is a great way to quickly develop skills and feel comfortable contacting clients.
Her Day Step by Step
Come in a bit earlier to get started for the day ahead
Answers emails and responding to clients
Complete applications for clients
Attend meetings and draft documents
"I have really enjoyed being involved with the human rights based immigration claims. It feels good to help someone when they are at their most vulnerable. For some people you are their only contact, at a very fragile time in their life."
What She's Learned So Far
Involvement With Clients
The amount of responsibility given is a great way to quickly develop skills and feel comfortable contacting clients. I am often asked to contact clients, complete applications, draft legal documents and sit in on meetings.
What She Was Surprised At
The level of involvement with clients has allowed me to build a good bond and gain better understanding of client cases.
Her Advice to Trainee Applicants
Turn everything into a skill, if you have studied abroad, taken a year out or worked a job, then you will have gained skills from those experiences that you can transfer to your traineeship at Drummond Miller.
"I work normal hours and the solicitors and partners always check in that I have capacity before handing over tasks. I never feel that my workload is too much."
What Could Your Own Day in the Life Look Like?
Every trainee's experience at Drummond Miller is shaped by their own department, office and clients, so Jennifer's story is just one of many. Head to the Traineeships Hub to read more stories like hers and find out what your own traineeship could look like.