Life as a first seat at Machins

I recently joined Machins with offices in Luton and Berkhamsted, and have begun my training contract within the Private Client department. Each seat during a training contract at Machins is an opportunity to immerse yourself in a specific area of law, develop practical skills and begin to understand how your legal studies translate to real-world situations.

Here are some of the aspects that I’ve really enjoyed since joining as a trainee in my first seat at Machins.

1. A welcoming start

From my first day, I was warmly welcomed into the team. I quickly met fellow trainees at the firm and key team members who have all helped me to settle in and begin my training. In my first few months, I have been involved in some of the firm’s charitable and committee events such as volunteering at a gardening day at Keech Hospice, attending the firm’s annual summer party and joining the Mental Health Committee’s knitting club! This is one of the three main committees at Machins, together with the Social Committee and Diversity and Inclusion Committee, and trainees are encouraged to get involved with these.

2. Learning by doing

One of the key aspects of training at Machins is the opportunity to be involved in matters with real responsibility. Each day, you will be exposed to a variety of legal tasks and challenges. In the Private Client department for example, you might start the day preparing an application for probate or arranging distributions of an estate to its beneficiaries and end it by sitting in on a client meeting. Every task helps you build confidence in your legal skills and your understanding of how the law applies in practice.

3. Support and mentoring throughout my trainee seat

During my first seat, I have had close contact with the Head of Department and other members of the team, to improve my knowledge of technical legal areas and to build my confidence across a broad range of work. I have regular check ins with my supervisor where he offers advice and guidance on how to deal with queries and tasks on matters that I am dealing with. Each trainee is also assigned a mentor who acts as a support and guide throughout your training contract.

4. Exposure to clients

From an early stage in my current seat, I have had the chance to interact with clients early on. This has involved drafting correspondence, joining client meetings, or preparing documents for review. Client interaction is a crucial part of your development as a trainee, as it helps you to understand their needs and the practical implications of the legal advice that we provide. You’ll also learn how to communicate complex legal issues in a clear and accessible way.

 I’m really looking forward to seeing what the next two years will bring, and developing my skillset more to prepare me for qualification in the future.

Embark on your legal journey with a training contract at Machins

Join us on your legal journey! Are you ready to take the next step in your legal career with your first seat as a trainee solicitor? Visit our Trainee Hub to explore the exciting opportunities in our recruitment program and discover how you can thrive in a supportive environment at Machins on your path to becoming a qualified solicitor!”