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22 MYSG & MTSG

Get to know the MYSG & MTSG

As training contract application deadlines approach and the next wave of trainees commence their training contracts this September, the current trainees
will shortly qualify. We considered this would be the perfect opportunity to assist readers who want to learn more about how to make the most of
opportunities to develop their career in the law. As well as informing you of the forthcoming MTSG and MYSG events. In this edition we consider the
recruitment process and the qualities firms look for in trainees and Solicitors. We consider the power of networking and business development to building
business relationships. We also explain the impact social media has had on law firms in recent years. The importance of a work/life balance, exercise and
healthy eating is a hot topic at the moment and a personal trainer provides some helpful tips for us! We will also introduce you to one of our Sponsors and
some of the MTSG and MYSG committee members to ask them why they enjoy being part of the committees.

Richard Powell, Equity Partner at JMW show my commitment to my career. On applications I en- Having It All: Achieving Balance While
Solicitors LLP sured I listed other part time jobs I had done to demonstrate Making Waves
I had worked in customer focused environments, where I
gained transferrable skills. I wanted to make the most of all
Recruiting the very best Trainees opportunities that were open to me. I was fortunate enough Matt Brereton-Patel, Per-
is the life blood of any ambitious to win an outstanding achievement award at University, sonal Trainer and Founder,
law firm. Every year I have the which was placed in the local press and I immediately asked three sixtyº Clinic & Per-
great pleasure of selecting our the firm who sponsored the award if they could offer some sonal Training Gym
new Trainees and finding our fu- work experience.
ture stars from the huge number So you’re a budding city cen-
of high quality applicants for My journey has not been without its challenges. Half way tre professional looking to
those roles. make progress in your career.
through the LPC I was involved in a bad accident and broke To make it, sacrifice is going
my arm. I couldn’t write and had to use a dictaphone in lec-
What do we look for when se- tures and seminars. I have some great friends who helped to be required – but how
lecting the very best Trainees? carry my books for me! It was certainly character building, much, and how can you make
There’s no doubt that academic it to the top with mind, body,
ability and achievements matter. These demonstrate that a but it made me stronger and all the more determined to do and soul intact?
well in the LPC to obtain a training contract.
candidate can consistently perform to their very highest
standard, work hard and make sacrifices, and have the men- I completed my training contract at Quality Solicitors Abney As a busy city centre clinic and personal training practice we
tal agility to be problem solvers. Clearly, a potential Trainee Garsden McDonald. I predominantly specialised in historic help time limited professionals to look, feel and perform
can’t be expected to have acquired much legal experience Child Abuse Litigation and also completed seats in Family better on a daily basis (and with a brother who is a Partner
yet, but it’s interesting to see what effort has been made to Law, Property and Personal Injury. I was keen to take on a lot at Clifford Chance, I’ve seen the challenges in making it at
gather some exposure to legal work, and at what level. We of responsibility from the start and the firm encouraged this. the highest level up close!).
like to see evidence of a genuine level of interest and enthu- I met with clients all over the country, attended court hear-
siasm, and ideally a commitment to being in the local re- ings alone and managed my own files under supervision. Here’s what we’ve learned about work-life balance, produc-
gion. Never underestimate the impact of showing another The work was challenging, but rewarding as I was dealing tivity, looking great and feeling awesome.
side to yourself either. Achievements and interests beyond with victims whose whole lives had been affected by the
work and the classroom can reveal further potential energy abuse. I have always been a very sociable person, so I en- Investing in yourself – the time / productivity contradiction
and dedication in that individual. and breaking the cycle
sured I attended any legal events or awards ceremonies to
In interview, the key is to show confidence and composure. meet other legal professionals. Everyone these days is time limited and stressed. Unless you
Easier said than done, of course, as interviews are seen as so make a conscious choice to prioritise things like nutrition,
daunting! However, always bear in mind that only a small I had my interview at JMW Solicitors a year after I qualified. sleep, and fitness, you’ll end up stuck behind your desk feel-
percentage of applicants will be selected for interview. Can- JMW is highly regarded. I knew that a number of employees ing lethargic and unhappy.
didates should take confidence from the fact that their CVs had worked at the firm for the duration of their careers, as
are strong enough to have been selected. They should relax the firm supports and encourages personal and career de- The irony is that by taking time out to commit to self-care,
and let their personality come across. I like to see that some- velopment, acknowledging hard work. I was really attracted you’ll get more done in less time, to better quality, and feel
one has the potential to engage with clients. Sometimes, to the fact that the firm has established itself as a full serv- better doing it.You just need to change the way you think
the key to success in a Trainee interview might not lie in ice law firm, recognising the importance of client satisfac- and be organised effectively.
knowing a “right answer” – but instead, it can be how well tion, developing business relationships and utilises
a candidate deals with a difficult question and shows a cool marketing effectively. The firm has pre-empted changes in Here’s how.
head and a sensible thought process. We are not looking for the legal sector to ensure they were prepared well in ad- How to invest in yourself for health, professional progress,
the finished article, we are looking for high levels of poten- vance. They have identified the importance of recruiting the and longevity
tial that we can develop later on. right people for the business and have invested time and re-
sources into developing technology to suit each depart- 1.Organisation is key. Do your food shopping at the week-
To be a successful Solicitor requires some basics such as ment’s needs. end and batch cook so you’re ahead of the game in the
long hours, hard work, intelligence, dedication and pa- week. Make sure you cook enough meat for 1-2 days at a
tience. Oh, and some legal knowledge too! It also requires Over the last couple of years I’ve really enjoyed developing time, then you can pair it with salad or cooked veggies as
an ability to interact with clients and colleagues, to multi my experience and skills to become a Solicitor. I’m also on you like. Don’t forget herbs and spices – think about world
task, and to show business development and client care the MYSG committee, as I love to socialise! I’m a people per- cuisine to keep it interesting.
skills. Even at an early stage, we can spot those most likely son and love helping my clients. My job has two sides to it.
to be able to do this and become commercially successful Most importantly, I empathise with my clients, to secure the 2. Get it done early. When you’re exercising, get it done early
Solicitors. best possible compensation and treatment for them, after before your day has the chance to go sideways. Something
suffering what can often be life-changing injuries. However, will always come up if you leave it until later in the day. Pack
Jemma Goldstone, Solicitor, I really enjoy the tactical and contentious side of litigation. your batch cooked breakfast and lunch up the night before,
I’m often working under pressure to tight deadlines, aiming then you can eat both at your desk if you have to.
JMW Solicitors LLP and Sponsorship to always stay a step ahead of the defendant. I recognised
Officer for the MYSG early on that time management is so important in this job. 3. Get hydrated. Every cell in your body needs water, and
I can’t say that being a Solicitor is easy, as it’s not. We’ve all getting enough will help you to look, feel and perform bet-
been there...the ‘to-do list’ you write in the morning and ter. How much? Take your body weight in kg, x by 0.033 =
Universities and law firms make you’re lucky if you do 5 of the 25 items on it, as you spend
no secret of the fact that Law is a the rest of the day working on the files you hadn’t planned the amount you need in litres per day. How? Drink a pint of
water as soon as you wake up, then keep glass bottles as
tough career to get into. Good on looking at! Sometimes I will look at my inbox thinking
grades are paramount, but as ‘who invented emails?…Coffee and chocolate...where your desk and measure out the rest. When it’s gone, you’ve
hit your goal.
competition is fierce and as would we be without them! I know I’m not alone and most
many firms recruit two years in of you can relate to this! However, when I reflect on the jour- 4. Sleep deep, sleep long. Many of our clients either have
advance, other achievements ney I’ve been on to get to this point, I’m so grateful for the
and interests are becoming in- opportunities I’ve had, as well as the challenges, as it’s sim- sleep problems or see sleep as a commodity which can be
traded for more work or more fun (you only need to hang
creasingly important to stand ply made me better equipped to do this job and ready to
out from other candidates, so cope with anything that’s thrown at me. There’s so much to out in Mojo on a Thursday night to know about the fun bit).
Get to sleep by 10:30pm and get 8+ hours.
firms can see your potential.
be said for the job satisfaction when your clients are happy
with the result you obtained and the sense of personal 5. Sign up for our FREE 101 Ways to Get Lean, Explode Your
We’ve all experienced different journeys to qualification. achievement you get from this career. Energy & Feel Awesome eBook: http://threesixtypersonal-
Gaining work experience whilst doing my A-levels and training.co.uk/101-ways-to-get-lean/
whilst at University was invaluable, not only to get an insight
into the legal environment, to see if it was for me, but to Here’s to your future success,