What do trainees "actually" do?

[PlimptonWeld]

I'm struggling to find a comprehensive answer to this question. What do trainees realistically do in transactions??
I've had some work experience but I've never been exposed to anything beyond due diligence, SPAG/proofreading, redline/blacklining documents...
Would appreciate an actual trainee's perspective to this question.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

I'm struggling to find a comprehensive answer to this question. What do trainees realistically do in transactions??
I've had some work experience but I've never been exposed to anything beyond due diligence, SPAG/proofreading, redline/blacklining documents...
Would appreciate an actual trainee's perspective to this question.

Hey!

Whilst I am not a trainee (yet!), I did recently find this resource a few months ago that I thought was really useful!

It allows you to select a practice area and will give you an overview of the typical tasks a trainee would complete in that area. For example, for IP, it lists (among other things):

• Search domestic, European and international registers of patents, trademarks and registered designs to establish ownership of existing rights or the potential to register new rights.
• Take all steps to protect clients’ interests by securing patents, trademarks and registered designs; appeal unfavourable decisions; attack decisions that benefit others but harm the lawyer’s own client.
• Write letters to require that third parties desist from carrying out infringing activities or risk litigation for damages and an injunction.
• Issue court proceedings and prepare cases for trial by taking witness statements, examining scientific or technical reports and commissioning experiments and tests. Junior lawyers may find themselves conducting consumer surveys and going on covert shopping expeditions.
• Draft commercial agreements between owners of IP rights and those who want to use the protected invention, design or artistic work. The most common documents will either transfer ownership or grant a licence for use.

Whilst this isn't specific to trainees, it should give you a rough idea of the types of tasks that they might assist with (i.e. the more entry-level or administrative tasks).

I hope that is useful!

 

[Jaysen]

I'm struggling to find a comprehensive answer to this question. What do trainees realistically do in transactions??
I've had some work experience but I've never been exposed to anything beyond due diligence, SPAG/proofreading, redline/blacklining documents...
Would appreciate an actual trainee's perspective to this question.

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