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What do you do in the first two weeks of your Training Contract?

By Josie Good

My first two weeks at Shearman have been really exciting. In the first week, all the trainees undergo an induction programme which is a great introduction to the firm. As a new trainee there is definitely a lot to take in, but Shearman structure a very clever programme to ensure you are ‘in-the-know’ before you start at your desk. We were given talks by all the different practice areas, introduced to all the complex IT systems and shown how the facilities in the office operate. Most importantly, we were given an opportunity to ask all the stupid questions we needed to… before we started! Throughout the induction, we were made to feel so welcome at the firm. Lots of partners, lawyers and staff made an effort to come and introduce themselves to us – which meant there would be many more familiar faces around the office when we started on our first day.

During the induction, we also had lots of opportunities to have a bit of fun. We went for a celebratory dinner at the end of our first week and to a lunch on our last day of induction. We have socialised lots with the other trainees in the year above and the NQ’s too. The trainee community is definitely very close at Shearman, partly because of the small intake, and this has made the whole process of induction much easier. It is something that I think is really unique to the firm.

My first seat is in PDF (Project Development & Finance). Although I have only just started, so far it has been a great experience. The most noticeable thing for me has been that the open-door policy is very true in practice. I have found that everyone is willing to help you or point you in the direction of help. The first week can be very daunting, but the environment is very supportive and encouraging – your supervisors are really looking to help train you to be a great lawyer. I have already had lots of responsibility and I am sure much more is coming my way.

I am very lucky because in my first two weeks at the firm, I will also be going on a PDF off-site to Brighton. I think this will be a great opportunity to get to know everyone in the department (including those in overseas offices). I am looking forward to learning much more about the development of the group’s business too. Excitement in the department about the trip is already very high, so I think it is going to be a lot of fun!