I completed my law studies at Queen’s University Belfast, graduating in June 2022 during the height of the pandemic. From the very first lecture, particularly on constitutional law and the context in which it operates, I knew my goal was to become a solicitor at a leading law firm. While I was initially drawn to pursue my earlier career in elite-level sport, the allure of working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment alongside a team of passionate individuals, combined with the intellectual challenge of legal work, ultimately guided me towards my training contract.

No two days are alike for a trainee, and that’s one of the things that makes working at MKB Law so exhilarating. My day begins when I arrive at the office around 9:00 am. After grabbing the ever-crucial cup of coffee, I head to my desk on the second floor. I start by reviewing my emails, checking my calendar for any scheduled meetings or training, and organising my work by priority to set a clear agenda for the day.

Over the last two years I focused primarily on the area of employment law, however as much as I enjoyed the experience I realised I wanted to expand my breadth of knowledge and explore other areas of practice. As a result, I recently transitioned into the Corporate and Commercial Property department. The open-plan office at MKB has allowed me to gain invaluable insight by overhearing discussions between the firm’s seasoned Directors, clients, and colleagues. This has not only been interesting but also highly educational, enhancing both my practical and academic understanding.

Having recently completed the academic phase of my training, I’m now focusing on supplementing my theory within practice under the mentorship of the Managing Director. This shift has provided me with the chance to contribute to high-value corporate and commercial property transactions, giving me hands-on experience that will be pivotal upon qualifying. MKB exposes us to a wide range of work to help us decide which area we might want to specialise in, while keeping each day fresh and stimulating. On any given day, I might be drafting share purchase agreements, completing a commercial property deal, attending a client meeting, incorporating companies, or updating company registries in line with regulatory requirements.

Though I’ve only recently switched from employment law to corporate law, and both areas often intersect, it’s clear that every day offers something new. While this can be daunting at first, it is also means that no two days are the same and provides me with the opportunity to attack multiple learning curves a week. The welcomed buffer to this is that whilst some matters may prove to be particularly challenging and complex, my colleagues are always happy to provide guidance or assistance to help navigate the well-trodden pathways of being a trainee. One of the most crucial skills for a corporate trainee is being well organised and detail-oriented. It’s also vital to be curious and proactive – some of my most valuable learning moments have come from stepping out of my comfort zone, pushing me through the ceiling of my own potential.

Around 1:00 pm, I take my lunch break and join my colleagues in the staff kitchen, before heading out for a quick walk to clear my head and refresh for the afternoon.

In some afternoons, I participate in training sessions. Recently, I completed the critical compliance training of Anti-Money Laundering for Legal Professionals, and I’ve also learned how to navigate MKB’s new performance management software, which helps fee earners track and review their progress. Although I keep track of my time, MKB sets nominal billing targets for trainees, which strikes the ideal balance between learning the importance of time recording and alleviating the pressure to allow for our training to be prioritised. This approach allows us to dedicate ourselves to the work because we genuinely care about what we’re doing.

Trainees are encouraged to partake in marketing and business development. I’ve enjoyed being involved photoshoots, participating in podcasts, writing articles and attending events!

My working day typically ends around 5:00 pm, after which I often hit the gym before heading home or meeting friends. The structure and culture at MKB encourage a healthy work-life balance, so when I leave the office, I can fully unwind, knowing I’ve worked hard and overcome many hurdles throughout the day. I’ve truly enjoyed my training contract so far and am looking forward to qualifying as a fully-fledged solicitor in September.