Being a Trainee Solicitor during lockdown and Covid-19
My name is Sarah Rebello and I am Trainee Solicitor with Barwells Solicitors. I started my Training Contract in September 2018, alongside my Legal Practice Course (LPC), and I am currently 3 months away from completing it and, hopefully, qualifying! Once qualified my hope is that I will practice in the litigation department and I would especially like to specialise in property related disputes. As with pretty much the entire population of the UK the last 2 months have been very unsettling and completely unprecedented. When lockdown first happened I did not automatically think what impact this would have on my Training Contract but as time went on and home working became the new normal I had to reflect, and with the support of my Supervisor, decide on how I could continue with my training and be supervised remotely. To say it has been a learning curve is an understatement but by embracing new technology, such as Zoom and collaborative working online, I have been lucky enough to finish my LPC and continue my Training Contract.
I have, due to the current situation, been involved with advising and speaking to clients about a variety of employment issues and have been fortunate to take my very first instruction in relation to a possible boundary dispute issue, under the careful supervision of Lauren Chambers. I love being able to help clients and deal with a variety of enquiries as I am also a member of the First Contact Team which has been part of my training. Before lockdown I had the opportunity to meet Counsel and observe various Barristers at Court for a variety of cases including one relating to a boundary dispute and one to a contested Estate, which has been invaluable and very insightful. I have enjoyed my period of training immensely and look forward to the next chapter of my life as a qualified solicitor and being able to put into practice all the knowledge and skills I have acquired.
If you have any legal issues or queries you wish to discuss please do not hesitate to contact me or the Litigation Department on 01273 582271
