Blog: Life and Times of a Lawyer to be by Elika Taghizadeh

Published on Wednesday 10 November 2010 11:52

You can spend the next two years of your life as a radiator or a drain. Bring warmth, appeal and charisma to people around you in any given room, or drain them of all interest and make yourself forgotten by being unimpressive, inconsequential and undistinguished, much like the sorry Mr Cellophane (Chicago).

After various talks on the significance of "Networking", my first month as a trainee has certainly fed me with substantial helpings of food for thought, and it makes me think back to the first Law Fair I attended whilst studying the Grad Ent LLB.

I recall one of the most important pearls of wisdom that I came across in preparation for that day- that it may only take a few short seconds to create a first impression, but a whole lifetime, if not a career change to undo it. With that, and the painstaking thought of having already spent seven years in higher education (with another two to go), I banished entertaining either of those latter options, and prepared my power handshake as I entered the hall of firms. Of course the main purpose behind these events is to allow an opportunity for prospective trainees to meet and mingle with firm representatives, get a flavour for their practice, and (for the more daring) to introduce themselves ahead of the deadlines and skirt around the million dollar question on every applicant's mind and lips; "what do I have to do to secure a traineeship with your firm?"

As I scanned the room and filled my bag with the plethora of enticing gifts that were on offer (stress-balls, post-its, wine bottle stoppers, pre-printed information packs, pens, highlighters and cookies – all essential ingredients for completing any such traineeship application), I came across a slogan displayed by my now current employers, Tods Murray. Three simple words they may have been, but they stood out and grabbed my attention with a bold request that read "Spot the difference".

That was perhaps the first time I ever truly considered and appreciated the significance of networking and building connections at such events, and the potential consequence those crucial first impressions could have. I knew from the outset of my studies that I wanted to train with a commercial law firm who would recognise my skills, interests and experiences and help me achieve my potential over the course of my traineeship.

My fear however, was that such firms would only invest their time and efforts in the silent working robo-types with mean tea making skills, photocopying extraordinaires or walking Stair Memorial Encyclopaedias. Alas I knew that I would fail to tick any of those boxes.

How then would I fall onto the path of Corporate success; or walk the corridors of the High Court as an unbeatable Litigator donning a swanky superhero cloak (or black gown) whilst high fiving my colleagues and clients left right and centre for my endless stream of success in 'The Battles of Two Sides"?

The mere existence of this blog and the fact that my foot is now 'in the door' would go some way to suggest that I was wrong, and that not all firms look for lemmings as their trainees. With regard to my endless stream of success in whatever field of law I settle into upon qualifying, I will have to keep you posted over the next couple of years (though if my ability to use the photocopiers without error is anything to go by, that dream may now be somewhat in doubt)! What I am ready to tell you with confidence however, is that having endured the painful experience of Property Law during my undergraduate years, and Conveyancing whilst studying the Diploma in Legal Practice, I never in a million years would have anticipated enjoying my first seat in Commercial Property.

The thought back then, of completing forms 10, 12 and 13, Property Enquiry Searches, Due Diligence reports, Deeds of Servitude and Dispositions made for an effective cure for pre-exam, stress induced insomnia. In practice however, with the level of support and encouragement that I had always hoped for, I find myself genuinely interested and enthusiastic about my work and look forward to sharing with you where my 'life and times as a lawyer to be' will lead…and with any luck, whilst avoiding being a drain!