Ever wondered what it’s really like to be a trainee solicitor? From juggling client calls and drafting documents to learning from experienced partners and even squeezing in yoga after work, no two days are ever quite the same.
For Charlotte Cassell, a trainee solicitor currently sitting in our Commercial Property team, each day brings a mix of responsibility, learning and variety. Here’s a snapshot of a typical day in her life…
8:45 am | Preparing for the Day
I arrive at the office and start the morning by reviewing my emails and begin organising my to‑do list for the day. Any urgent emails that have landed overnight are prioritised so pressing matters can be dealt with promptly. I find that keeping a clear to‑do list helps me stay organised and focused, allowing me to tackle tasks in order of priority.
9:00 am | Taking Client Instructions
The morning begins with taking initial instructions from a client who wishes to instruct us to draft a new lease for a beauty salon. During the call, I gather detailed information about the proposed premises and the client’s commercial objectives. Making sure I fully understand the client’s requirements at this early stage helps ensure the matter progresses smoothly when it comes to drafting and agreeing the lease.
11:00 am | Weekly Supervision Meeting
Next, I meet with Victoria Walton, Partner and Head of the Commercial Property department for my weekly supervision meeting. We review the work I have completed, discuss ongoing matters and talk through any new tasks. These meetings, especially with the head of the team, are extremely valuable for my development as a trainee, as they give me the opportunity to receive feedback, ask questions and gain insight from a highly experienced colleague.
12:30 pm | Lunch
Time for lunch! I like to step away from my desk and get some fresh air where possible. Today, I headed out to the Arnison Centre with some fellow trainees – a great chance to recharge and catch up before the afternoon gets underway.
1:30 pm | Admin Matters
The early afternoon is spent catching up on admin tasks, including progressing matters, responding to client enquiries, drafting documents and assisting fee earners with various tasks across the team. This part of the day is often fast‑paced and varied, which I really enjoy.
3:00 pm | Client Meeting
I attend a meeting with one of the Partners and a client who operates a property development business. We discuss search results, the report on title we have prepared and any commercial considerations arising from the transaction. I observe the meeting closely, take detailed notes, and make sure all action points are recorded so they can be followed up after the meeting.
4:00 pm | Legal Research
Later in the afternoon, I assist with a matter involving a dissolved company that held a leasehold interest in a property. As the asset was not dealt with prior to dissolution, it passed to the Crown under the concept of bona vacantia. I carry out research into the process of recovering the interest and the associated costs, using legal research platforms such as Westlaw and LexisNexis.
5:00 pm | End of the Day
Home time! Before leaving the office, I review my task list to make sure everything I planned to progress during the day has been addressed. After work, some of the Commercial Property team and I head to a Hot Pod yoga class. Getting some exercise is my favourite way to unwind after a busy day in the office.
Ready to begin your trainee solicitor journey?
We are currently accepting applications until 29 April 2026 for our October 2026 and October 2027 intakes. For more information and to apply, please visit our Graduate Recruitment page.
