Trainee
When I finished school, I decided to study something I was really interested in, rather than a degree that would lead to a specific job. That was definitely the right choice, and I ended up spending four fantastic years studying Philosophy and Political Science at Trinity College. After college, I took a year out to work and travel before setting off for DIT to study for the Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Studies. Although I had been warned that large commercial firms prefer to hire people with law degrees, I took my chances applying to Arthur Cox, and was pleased to discover that they understood and appreciated the importance of a broad education. Continued education is valued within Arthur Cox, and if a trainee discovers a legal course of interest, it is possible to apply to the firm for funds. Currently, Arthur Cox is paying for me to do a Diploma in Employment Law in UCD.
"There is a great atmosphere in the firm, especially among the trainees, and I've really enjoyed the many social events organised such as the summer barbeque and golf lessons."
Jennifer Burke
Rotations
As a trainee, I wondered how much real responsibility I would, or could, be delegated but in all my rotations I have been very impressed at the willingness of the partners and associates include trainees in all aspects of work. My first rotation was Litigation. I had the opportunity to prepare papers and draft briefs to counsel, attend and speak at court, and summarise judgments. I went to inquests, met with clients, and tackled large discovery projects.
After PPC1, I went into Capital Markets. Without the almost daily trips to courts I had been used to in Litigation, I was curious to discover how I’d find spending all day in the office. It turned out to be far from monotonous. Regular contact with clients and tight deadlines on transactional deals meant I was always on my toes. I was trusted with responsibility for an on-going project and it was interesting to be involved in high-end deals that made the news headlines.
I then worked in PPP (Public Private Partnerships) and came into this department at a very exciting time. A deal was set to close in my first weeks and I was given massive involvement and responsibility in all aspects of the work. This meant liaising constantly not only with clients and solicitors from other law firms, but also other departments within Arthur Cox who were lending their expertise on various parts of the deal – including Tax, EU/Competition, Environment and Planning, Banking and Construction. As the first point of contact in cross-department coordination is often the trainees, good working relationships amongst the trainees is of paramount importance. Blackhall played a huge role in creating this.
PPC1
All 35 trainees trooped off to Blackhall for PPC1 last September. Fine tuning knowledge of conveyancing, tax and other legal specialities was important, but PPC1 was also enjoyed for the social side of being a trainee solicitor. Getting to know the other Arthur Cox trainees in a college atmosphere was great fun, but it was only on coming back to the office that I realised the positive effect this has in work. It is so much easier working with people I know well personally, and it makes for a great support structure at the trainee level. All trainees give a presentation on each rotation, so myself and three others worked together on a Litigation talk. Working together to deliver this talk strengthened our ability to work as a team, and, I was pleasantly surprised to learn, the skills and confidence gained through this feeds into our actual work.
Going Forward
I do not know what department I will be working in next, but already I am looking forward to it. When I first started in Arthur Cox, I was nervous doing any bit of work for fear of getting it wrong, but the past year has given me confidence, and knowing I can approach my colleagues, and particularly the other trainees, for help and advise at any time, means I’m never at sea.
