Day 2 - Eversheds

April 4th 2012- My second day of my Internship at Eversheds (London Office). Today's main focus was listening to people who are doing what I want to do and networking. The first people I met today were clients of Eversheds, I met Duncan Hamiliton ( Head of Legal services for HSBC london) and Cerian Worsley (In-House Lawyer) from The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation most commonly known as HSBC, I also met David Boyd Partner at Eversheds also in charge of the client relationship with HSBC. The uniting feature amongst them was that they all came from similar backgrounds from me but they are still successful, which links on from yesterdays session regarding achieving ones dreams and finding success. Each member of the panel gave inspirational stories regarding the obstacles they faced and how they over came them. The most inspirational story for me was Cerian's story she came to the UK with Swedish as her main language with only a vague grasp of English, however if she did not tell me I wouldn't have know, she was extremely articulate and well spoken. The main message I derived from that session was that everyone faces obstacles however what builds and defines you as a person is how you overcome those obstacles. 

Key Tips I found out:

>Make sure you are in touch with legal affairs 

>Make sure you are aware of major legal/commercial transactions

>When doing a vacation scheme make sure you are useful

>First impressions count- You never know who you will meet

>Network. Network.Network

Meeting a barrister and her clerk. I was given the opportunity to ask questions surrounding what it is like being a barrister and what the job entails. The Barrister I met was Laura Tweedy from Hardwicke Chambers. Her main advice was before choosing whether to become a solicitor or barrister make sure you have done work experience or pupilage at either a chamber or firm. As majority of people only have preconceptions regarding what lawyers or barristers actually do, therefore first hand experiences would make the decision making process much easier. In a time when funding is limited it is good to have a clear mind as to what you want to do. Ms Tweedy was very passionate and an open person which is the general consensus found amongst barristers however her message was clear "PUSH, BE PASSIONATE, IF THEY SAY NO ASK WHY AND TRY AGAIN". Ms Tweedy applied for Durham but did not get in, she met all the requirements so she called the law department and they realised that they lost her application as a result she was offered a place. Therefore passion, drive and perseverance  is key in this ball game. 

Today's main activity was a litigation exercise, yesterday we were given a case to take home analyse and prepare for a judgement summary in front a judge. Every thing panned out as expected, we had to present why my claimant was right and there was no need for the case to proceed further as the outcome would be clear. However under 5 minutes it is very hard to express your main points, but the exercise was very engaging and provided me with an insight to what barristers do. I also met with some of the trainee solicitors at Eversheds who are on their fourth seat and almost on their way to becoming qualified solicitors, which was good because unlike majority of the others the age gap wasn't that big, it made it much easier to relate to the trainees and of course networks were made. Who knows in 5 years when I am looking for a job one of the trainee solicitors could provide that ! Network! 

The last exercise was to understand what steps are taken in order to gain a trainee contract at Eversheds. 

LLB or Conversion course> LPC> Trainee Contract> Qualified Solicitor> Promotions .... 

Trainee Contract> 3000 Applicants - Situational judgement test-Numerical Reasoning Test- Verbal Reasoning test- Telephone interview- Face to face interview- Assessment Centre- Conditional offer with 60 applicants left for the 60 places. 

A Summary of Today's message: There is more to becoming a lawyer than just going to law school. Hard Work, ambition and drive are a key recipe in becoming successful. 

I'm looking forward to tomorrow I have to learn social etiquette as i have formal business lunch :)