As a trainee in the Employment team at Glaisyers ETL, each day brings new challenges and opportunities for learning for Kene Anthony-Okeke. Here’s a glimpse into what his typical day looks like.
Morning routine & planning
8:50am: I try to arrive at our office early so that I can spend some time catching up with colleagues and setting up my workspace for the day. Once all this is done, I go through my emails and flag any from the night before. I then make a plan of action for the day, prioritising urgent tasks to make sure that I complete any outstanding time-sensitive tasks first.
9:10am: During the day, I receive correspondence from clients and tasks from solicitors within our team. I like to tackle these tasks as they come in to avoid back log and to allow sufficient time to implement any feedback I receive. Like other trainees at Glaisyers ETL, I am fortunate to be sat around experienced solicitors and our head of department. This way, I know that help is never far away when I need it.
Midday research, writing & lunch break
12:00pm: Once I have completed my urgent tasks, I try to spend about an hour a day carrying out legal research independently or into pre-assigned topics. Based on my research findings, I decide whether there is enough content to prepare an article on the topic. The Marketing team at Glaisyers ETL are very supportive and offer assistance with preparing articles. I enjoy writing articles because it allows me to familiarise myself with legal topics by breaking down complex areas of law to suit a larger audience. It’s also a good chance to get my name out there and promote the work that we do to potential clients.
1:00pm I usually take my lunch around 1 pm. I like to bring in a packed lunch which I eat in our spacious canteen which allows me to enjoy some time away from my desk. The firm’s convenient location within Spinningfields also means that on the rare occasions when I am unable to bring a packed lunch, there are lots of restaurants and shops to choose from.
Afternoon focus & reflection
2:00pm One hour later, I’m back at my desk feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the rest of the day. I may have received some more emails during my lunch break, and again, I prioritise the most urgent tasks and discuss more complex tasks with colleagues.
4:30pm Once I have actioned all my tasks or made plans to revisit those that I need help with, I review my time recording entries for the day, double-checking and making sure that I haven’t accidentally left any activities out. For the final 15-20 minutes each day, I also like to update my trainee diary. I include any substantive tasks that I have carried out during the day and highlight what I learnt from carrying out those tasks.
End of day & networking
5:35pm I usually log out around 5:30-5:40 pm and begin my commute back home. I find that logging out at that time allows me to have a bit of time in the evenings to get home, socialise with friends, watch my favourite shows and generally decompress. However, I might stay in our offices a bit later if I am working on any time-sensitive tasks. Occasionally, I may also attend internal or external networking events promoted within the firm which gives me a chance to meet new people and form professional relationships.
Start your legal career with us
If you’re looking to kickstart your legal career in a supportive, hands-on environment at a top Manchester law firm, Glaisyers ETL is the perfect place to do it. With plenty of opportunities to learn and grow alongside experienced professionals, it’s a fantastic place to build your career.
Learn more and apply here, or contact Janet Westwell, our People & Organisational Development Manager, for further information on: janet.westwell@glaisyers.com
