Insider view

Emma Pattenden

Trainee solicitor

Studied Law at: Clare College, Cambridge University
Joined M&R: Sept 2004

"Clichéd as it sounds, every day at work is different and that is what keeps it interesting!"

Emma graduated from Cambridge University and completed her LPC at Cardiff Law School. She joined Mills & Reeve in September 2004 after a year spent teaching English in Argentina and Italy.

As a student at a university that was very City-focused, I completed summer work placements at two large City firms before deciding that I would prefer to look for a firm that could offer quality work outside London. Mills & Reeve has offices in Cambridge, Norwich and Birmingham and promotes the importance of work-life balance. I am now in my second seat at the Cambridge office.

The Personal Touch

Following my interview at Mills & Reeve, I was impressed by the effort the firm made to maintain contact before commencement of my training contract. I was sent the firm newsletter and invited to a Christmas lunch where I met the rest of my intake, the current first years and some of the fee-earners.

The first few days of my training contract were spent on a residential course, where we undertook our first PSC module. This was followed by a series of introductory talks and training at the office. The rest of the PSC modules are interspersed throughout the training contract, and the firm offers internal training on everything from client care to new computer systems and research databases. We frequently have external speakers providing training seminars, and each department offers lunchtime updates on new developments in the law.

The Science Bit

The training contract at Mills & Reeve is split into six seats of four months' duration. This enables trainees to gain a broad and varied experience. This is especially attractive for non-law graduates, or those who do not know which area of law they may wish to qualify into. There are a relatively small number of trainees here, which means you get to know everyone very quickly. It also means that you are treated as an individual and more attention is paid to your personal training needs. From the beginning trainees have the opportunity to become involved in marketing events and to contribute to firm publications and client updates.

Baptism of Fire

My first seat was in the corporate department. I learnt to tailor shelf companies and deal with company secretarial work. One of our clients was undertaking a company buy-back of shares from capital and I became involved in drafting minutes and ensuring compliance with Companies Act requirements. I also attended client meetings and carried out research into commercial agency and contract law.

I am now approaching the end of my second seat, in real estate. I have had a high level of responsibility in this seat and have been given some of my own files. I have handled exchanges and completions with minimal supervision. This was a little overwhelming at first but it is definitely the most interesting way to learn, and my confidence has increased enormously. At every stage there was plenty of support from the rest of the team. Besides my supervisor, I have found a network of trainees, newly qualifieds and support staff that I can turn to for advice.

An Alternative to the City

I was attracted to Mills & Reeve because of its friendly atmosphere and promotion of work-life balance. Although trainees must be prepared to adapt their working hours to the needs of the firm, we do not have the 'long hours' culture that many of my City friends complain of. Trainees are encouraged to broaden their legal training by assisting with cross-firm pro-bono work or by participating in the local Trainee Solicitors Group or Young Professionals Group. Above all, it is possible to have a life outside work here and I have been able to maintain many of my former interests, studying Italian and cookery in the evenings. The firm itself organises frequent sporting and social events such as inter-office football matches, rounders games and parties at Christmas and in the summer.

Mills & Reeve is able to offer a real alternative to the City, combining a friendly atmosphere with high quality training and a national profile.