Developing the technical and practical skills that you will use as a lawyer during your career is obviously a fundamental part of the training process, but it’s also important to integrate yourself in the firm and build relationships with your colleagues. Beyond the trainee seat rotations, attending the various social and community events held throughout the year allows you to mix with the people at B P Collins in a more informal environment away from the workplace.
Each department tends to organise ad hoc get-togethers and the firm also has a dedicated social committee that arranges firm-wide events. For trainees, there’s a quarterly social that we organise ourselves – typically heading into London for an activity or dinner and drinks – and which the firm helps to fund.
“Everyone at the firm has been very welcoming and generous in giving their time to help my development en route to qualification”
This summer’s heatwave has certainly provided ample opportunity for socialising, starting with the biennial Gerrards Cross 5k Fun Run in May. This community led event, which B P Collins co-sponsors, is always a big success and attracts 1,500 runners and many more spectators cheering them on. The sun was shining brightly this year and, despite the high temperatures and surprisingly undulating terrain, I made it round in a respectable time, with the firm picking up the trophy for the best Company Team.
Fast-forward to June and the firm hosted a screening of the England v Tunisia World Cup game, complete with pizza, drinks and an enthusiastically celebrated last-minute winner from Harry Kane. July saw our annual trip to Lord’s cricket ground to take in a T20 game, with Somerset beating Middlesex by four wickets. Then a few weeks ago there was another firm favourite of the social calendar – an evening hosted by our friends at Gerrards Cross Bowls Club, which is always an enjoyable occasion and keenly contested.
“I’m pleased to say that I’ve found there to be a good balance here with plenty of opportunities for having a bit of fun.”
Of course, it won’t surprise readers to hear that there’s no shortage of hard work over the course of a training contract, but I’m pleased to say that I’ve found there to be a good balance here with plenty of opportunities for having a bit of fun. Everyone at the firm has been very welcoming and generous in giving their time to help my development en route to qualification; it’s easy to take these things for granted, so I’m grateful for being able to train at a firm where there’s such a friendly and supportive environment.
Posted by Rhydian Grange
The Insider 