My week started off with an induction in the firm where I was introduced to members of the firm who were all welcoming and helpful. I was also set up with all the IT I would be using throughout my week and given a tour of the Edinburgh office which helped me to orientate myself.
On my first day
I sat in with the Litigation department where I worked with some of the trainee solicitors who briefed me on the tasks I was assigned. I completed a record review to produce a chronology for a client’s medical background to ensure the required records were wholly relevant and concise to the firm’s needs. Later on in the day I worked on a client spreadsheet for a diesel emission case in which I was adding client references and removing duplicates. These tasks gave me an insight into the preparation a lawyer must take for the handling of cases.
On my second day
I sat with the Conveyancing department where I worked with members on missives for clients that were buying properties and ensuring that attached clauses worked best for our clients and any difficulties arising were resolved. I also got an insight into the meticulous nature conveyancers must have when implementing anti money laundering practices to ensure funds can be adequately traced to their sources to ensure all transactions are above board.
On day 3
I spent the morning with the Family Law team where I attended an opposed motion and procedural hearing in which the team were representing clients in the Sherriff court. The firm handled ongoing negotiations whilst the other party was trying to instruct a solicitor to act on their behalf and acted for their client to contest a motion the other party had proposed. In the afternoon I read over a case record and notes for arguments in preparation for the upcoming Court of Session legal debate for a client.
On day 4
I attended the Court of Session with the Litigation department. This was an interesting case in which each party had to instruct counsel with rights of audience to operate in the supreme court of Scotland. It was very interesting to see how the Court of Session differs from the Sheriff court and see the relationship between Advocates and local agents. In this case each party had both senior and junior counsel acting on their behalf as instructed by their engaged respective law firms.
On day 5
I again attended the Court of Session as the legal debate came to a close and the judge took Avizandum which means that the Judge takes the case away to read over and contemplate each party’s submissions before coming to a decision at a later date. In the afternoon I spent my time making this blog which gave me a chance to reflect on my week with Drummond Miller!
My experience at Drummond Miller has been great! Everyone has been very welcoming; always there to answer my questions and give me a hand. The firm offered me a chance to develop my practical skills through the likes of excel and legal procedure as well as granting me a valuable insight into the legal industry. I also got to spend time with the firm’s trainees daily who were able to offer me advice on the process of becoming a lawyer and life at university. I would highly recommend Drummond Miller for work experience as they offer a valuable experience that looks great on applications/CVs and they have a large network you can go to for advice.
Take the next step
- Call us on 0131 226 5151