being a trainee solicitor is tough...

I thought it would be best to talk about some of the hardest things I've experienced as a trainee solicitor in London. Of course, I absolutely love my career, where I work and what I do, but with all jobs there are challenges. It's important to be honest and transparent about these things, as it reflects the actual reality of life as a trainee solicitor ✨ let me know your thoughts!
💁🏽‍♀️ WHO AM I? 💁🏽‍♀️
I'm Simranjeet, a trainee solicitor for a UK Top 20 Law Firm in London, UK. My main objective is to make the legal career path a lot more accessible and understandable to all, and I really hope my videos reflect this. The content I post on LinkedIn, KZbin and Instagram is all about law, careers, personal development, current affairs and vlogging my journey to becoming a solicitor and beyond!
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[@simranjeetkmann]

Hello hello all! Appreciate all the love and support for this video!! I just want to clarify that the experiences I talk about in this video are more personal challenges rather than any gripes I have about my workplace! I am very lucky to be working in a firm where I feel valued, work with talented lawyers and am provided with great high profile work. The things I talk about are common in not only the legal profession, but other professional careers. It was important for me to highlight you’re never alone in what you’re feeling! 🫶🏽

[@JennyHirpara]

It's good video ...can you help me office for practicing to become solicitor

[@afrorhymes1511]

I worked under a training (slave) contract as a married father of 1 earning £16300.00. had to work Saturdays and Sundays doing 12hr day shifts to raise my income to about £25k pa. The law company I worked for was 1-man owned and 1 branch. Struggled as I had foreign a level qualifications, was a mature student who started his LLB at 25. Delay in going to Uni was because I had to serve in the British Army first to get British citizenship after arriving from Africa on a student visa (to study law) and no money for tuition. Got my British passport after 5yrs of service in the British Army and went straight to Uni. Imagine completing your TC at the age of 33. After my LLB and LLM LPC, it took me over 2yrs to find a TC, hundreds of applications were ignored. I had decided to give up on the legal career when this law firm owner saw my desperation and decided to employ me. Little did I know he simply wanted a slave. I'd work Saturdays and Sundays doing security in a student accommodation office with my laptop catching up on all the week's work. My relative income based on hrs worked was at least £3.50 below minimum wage. Completed my training Contract in October last to year after working 7days for 2yrs. by then my health had deteriorated due to lack of rest. My 2 toddlers were emotionally and psychologically affected by my 7 day a week absence at the end of it. They would shriek in tears if they saw me wearing shoes to leave the house, they became super clingy. a day after completing my TC I asked my employer to sign me off, he didn't want to because he wanted to keep me underpaid for much longer. He even lied to me that he had signed me off but it takes the SRA up to 4 months to approve it and admit me. I was his cash cow, he wouldnt let go. I contacted the SRA anonymously to query this because I knew that signing one off meant they could be admitted in the next 24hrs. The SRA confirmed it was a lie. I went back to tell my boss my findings and he became hostile, told me "you are getting ahead of yourself" and told me taking his Holiday trip was more of a priority than signing me off. I resigned and commenced legal action against him, suing the firm, him in his personal capacity and his wife who was an extreme bully (protecting daddy's business). He wanted to delay signing me off by 4 months and act like a God over my life. The day I resigned I notified acas immediately and within a week of my resignation I was signed off and we agreed to part ways. Partly because I had threatened not to simply commence legal action against him, but to report him to the SRA. I made it clear to the middle person that, if I am not a solicitor of England and Wales there's no way this man will ever practise in this country. I will go down with him and make sure he is disgraced. As an immigrant who left everything behind, lost both parents in Africa whilst I was in the UK, I have extremely thick skin and I know all about losses go the point that I am not afraid to start afresh. But one benefit of challenges I faced is I fear no man, I am gutsy. From having punch ups with racist fellow British army soldiers, to being a slave in a law firm. Now I work for a top 50 law firm as an associate, on a salary that's 4 times the £16k. The journey of qualification to become a solicitor is always filled with pain. There are a vast array of experiences that different people go through in order to make it in life.

[@Julie-hf4ch]

GOD BLESS YOU and CONGRATULATIONS FOR YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS !

[@rababrizvi950]

Wow. Wow. You are an inspiration. We need a video/book about your story. Congratulations to you!!!!!!!!

[@user-vf2lv9zs5d]

This gave me hope man

[@pleasegivemeausername]

Thank you SO MUCH for your honesty! Lawfluencers can usually create an eco chamber of constant success unintentionally so it is beyond great you mentioned the hardships of the profession too!

[@simranjeetkmann]

You're so right tbh, thank you so much for watching!

[@lauramonica6924]

Thank you for being transparency- it will really help others who haven’t crossed the bridge yet xx. Sending love to you. God bless!

[@simranjeetkmann]

Aw that's so kind, thank you so much!

[@simranjeetkmann]

Apologies for the video quality on this - I didn't set my camera focus properly :(

[@ainemonaghan2973]

I like videos like these from you, where you are honest about what your job is like. I’m going to start my training contract after working as a paralegal for a few years. I’ve noticed that these issues you are facing, a lot of people face in legal industry, but it’s not really talked about. Therefore it’s important you talk about it - keep it up!

[@simranjeetkmann]

That's really great to hear, thank you very much! I agree it's not talked about enough and it's okay to open up the conversation

[@jessicay8207]

I am literally so nervous and worried for my TC as well as excited. I know it will be difficult, stressful and at times overwhelming. It’s nice to see this transparency and to know I’m not alone in these feelings and I haven’t even started my TC yet!! My firm is a UK top 15 so I imagine the pressures and workloads will be largely similar to yours.

[@simranjeetkmann]

Good luck! You'll be fine don't worry!! Congrats on securing a TC too :)

[@IdinSabahipour]

Really great message! Thank you for sharing this.

[@simranjeetkmann]

You're a legend Idin, thanks!

[@shannontongg]

This is such a brave video to make! All of these are so relatable, so you are definitely not alone

[@simranjeetkmann]

Your consistent support means so much Shannon, thank you!

[@Jubair194]

This was such a well produced video, thanks for sharing the raw emotions with us.

[@simranjeetkmann]

Thank you so much!

[@joshfx3756]

As someone about to start the first year of Uni (non law) looking into this as a career this video is super helpful. Always good to maintain realistic expectations. Good luck with the rest of the TC.

[@simranjeetkmann]

Thank you!

[@naqeebkakar6716]

That is excellent and honest description. Thanks for sharing it , i thought i was alone .

[@itskasherz8044]

Its tough 100% agree with you there but much depends on what type of firm you work for. In the magic and silver circle, you can expect to be overwhelmed with deadlines and high risk transactions and cases. In medium and lower tier forms, you can expect to be overwhelmed with immense pressure to meet targets and deadlines and basically do everything singlehandedly. I have found a good work life balance and rewarding legal careers can be found in the public sector such as local authority legal departments or the quasi-public sector such as housing corporations and charities. You still do corporate work, get paid fairly but not as much as at a magic or silver circle firm BUT you get work life balance and support and get to go home at the end of the working day! Also, count your lucky stars you have a training contract. I entered the profession at the height of the big credit crunch in 2009 and firms were going under everywhere and an entire generation of law and LPC graduates basically had nowhere to go. My advice to you @simranjeet is to hang tough, compkete your training, at the end of it then reassess your career and priorities and look into public sector or quasi-public sector work. Stay strong!

[@simranjeetkmann]

Hiya! Thanks for your comment! I definitely feel I work for a firm similar to yours as mine has also provided me rewarding legal work, combined with a good life balance as you mention 🫱🏽‍🫲🏾

[@deelawyer6638]

It's a demanding profession. Hang it there, it gets easier and you get stronger and get a more balanced life. You are almost there! Take care of your mental health at all times.

[@simranjeetkmann]

Thank you so much!

[@emmalouxx]

I think we started TC at about the same time. I’m half way through my third and final seat and some times were harder than others but I found when I had struggles, I just reminded myself how much time was left. 2 years (and 6 months) sounds SO long but goes SO quickly! Qualification decision was the hardest part for me. I liked so many different parts of seats that deciding what to qualify into was really tricky. I just had open conversations with supervisors and other colleagues about it. I will hopefully be qualifying into an area I gained experience in before my TC 😅

[@lisagriffin8221]

Thank you for your video, as someone who's next stage is being a trainee solicitor, I really appreciate the honesty.

[@simranjeetkmann]

Glad it was helpful!

[@elysea2967]

Thank you for this!!

[@Paola-lc2sh]

Girl you got this 🙏

[@simranjeetkmann]

Thank you!!

[@AB-bz9et]

Great insight and video What I find difficult is managing the workload at times

[@simranjeetkmann]

I hear that! It can be tough sometimes

[@harpreetsidhuaustralia]

Hy Simranjeet, I saw your choora photo on Linkedin and came to your KZbin 😀 you are really doing greate and I really liked your post, because I was a kind of connecting to it. I live in Sydney before some time I was only wearing black turban (just thinking what people will say) however, everyday studying about my culture (Sikhism) I really feeling proud to wear any colour of turban and going out and ever feeling proud while walking. You content is great, keep grinding 🔥

[@simranjeetkmann]

Ah no way! Thanks so much for the kind words. It is tough trying to be your authentic self sometimes and follow your religion / culture. I agree, you should be proud of who you are!! I'm proud of you too :)

[@paulpp7900]

keep it up!!! will b following u

[@ETCH441]

Good luck !. 🙏🤞 !.

[@DrHarbirSingh]

Great video Simranjeet

[@simranjeetkmann]

Thank you!! :)

[@thebrotherhood1675]

you are a creative. i think you should do what you want. your life is precious. do something close to your heart.

[@simranjeetkmann]

The best advice ngl - thank you so much!

[@hotcheeksuzma]

Starting my LLM this year, was literally watching your previous vids on how to secure a training contract

[@OffSonic47]

What are you doing your LLM in/what Uni if I may ask? I’m asking cause I’m considering after my LLB.

[@simranjeetkmann]

Good luck with your LLM!

[@hotcheeksuzma]

@@OffSonic47 international dispute resolution at Kings college london

[@hotcheeksuzma]

@@simranjeetkmann thank you!! Please also do an update video every once in a while about how you are doing at the law firm when you can :) its motivating

[@OffSonic47]

@@hotcheeksuzma Good luck with it! That’s on my shortlist to apply to 🤞🏽

[@sanyamarwah]

Thankyou so much simran for all these videos , i am watching you from past 6 months . ❤️ i am just going to start my llb degree this September, i want to ask that Doing LLM is necessary, if not then if one doesn’t go for it then it will create any problem?

[@simranjeetkmann]

Hiya! I don't know enough about this to provide a comprehensive answer, but I don't think it poses an issue in respect of career prospects if you haven't done an LLM. I know many lawyers who have not done an LLM - it's not something that is mandatory or must be completed if that makes sense. Good luck with your degree!

[@sajansharma6593]

Great video

[@simranjeetkmann]

Thanks!

[@Joe-rr8ls]

Hey bit of a random question but do you have a long commute to work- do you feel this hinders you in anyway? I’m starting my TC soon and most people on my cohort have a place in central. I live like an 1hr 20 away and am not sure if it’s worth moving closer to perform better during TC?

[@user-yg1vj4sc1k]

Facing the exact same dilemma atm!

[@simranjeetkmann]

This is a really good question. Right now, my commute takes around an hour and a bit. I feel like sometimes for socials I have to leave a bit earlier than everyone else because I have to catch a train at a particular time. That sucks sometimes because I feel major fomo. However, my colleagues understand my commitments here, so I wouldn't call it a major hindrance.

[@Joe-rr8ls]

@@simranjeetkmann thanks!

[@punavmirlekar]

i am in my final year of law in India, i am planning to take SEQ 1 & 2 to work as a solicitor in UK. this video was sure helpful, it will also be great if you can make a video for students like me! thank you!

[@forceara]

Can we take sqe directly after obtaining degree. How to get training experience

[@richandsweet4017]

@@forcearayes you can. You can do it in any order as long as everything is completed in 6 years.

[@miladnejatian2930]

Thanks for your realistic video, I hesitated between sqe and apply for lpc, wich one is better?I am out side of the uk Lpc process is still valid?

[@obaidmughal8013]

Lpc is not for newcomers lawyers now only sqe route avaliable for new Lawyers

[@shazzykhan1395]

SQE exam is online or should I go to uk?

[@janesmith9024]

Very good and useful for people (I am an older lawyer but still interested). By the way it can be a good thing if people realise they might be out of their depth or need more help on something. it is people who assume they know it all and don't check who make mistakes and are the bigger risk to a firm. I was married when I started my TC and I had my first baby in my 3rd seat and took off two weeks (yes weeks not months) so that would be my biggest challenge in the 2 years.

[@simranjeetkmann]

Thank you so much and for providing this insight. I really appreciate it!

[@Joe-rr8ls]

Is there less work on secondments? Especially with “smaller clients”?

[@simranjeetkmann]

Nope I wouldn’t say so, the amount of work you get depends on the team you’re in and the firm you’re in. On secondment I’ve been pretty busy tbh.

[@mobilecomparison11]

Hii can uh tell me one thing that if my uncle is a uk citizen and I'm 17 can he adopt me from india then what would be the process for me to go to uk

[@simranjeetkmann]

Apologies, not sure about that process!

[@IrritatedBear]

Definitely relate to this on my grad scheme

[@simranjeetkmann]

Ah no way!

[@mirashu3908]

How to download pdf criminal law. Law of torts give me any site

[@mehakkhan1805]

Does a trainee solicitor paid?

[@user-bz8zq4mk3l]

Field like finance and law will always be tough nothings flowers and roses when your working in high paying roles you just have to suck it up and sacrifice for your future that’s the mindset I’ve adopted when it comes the these industry’s your seniors have been in the same shoes as you are in and they done what is required to successfully complete the mission and be financially stable.

[@geotyr3868]

who could even think it's flowers and rainbows how could it be that you wouldn't be struggling maybe i'm too old hahaha

[@mercy-constanceaturu7030]

Can I be a trainee while being in law school?

[@cillae8119]

Yes

[@GursewakSingh-xx8ro]

How much do trainee solicitor earn???

[@simranjeetkmann]

You can find out various salaries for trainee solicitors on a website called Legal Cheek.

[@cillae8119]

Big firms- £50,000-£80,000

[@tashajones3533]

Do you regret going on secondment?

[@simranjeetkmann]

Nah not at all, it was difficult being away from the firm I usually trained at but ngl if i could go back in time, I would still pick going on this secondment. I learnt so much from my secondment, it was the exact push and challenge that I needed in this moment in my career. I needed to be out of my comfort zone in order to grow, and also it gave me a flavour for what in-house life is like.

[@AQUASURF]

Have you tried only fans ?

[@simranjeetkmann]

no, have you?

[@nnnnnnnn4199]

Dont want to come off rude but goodness me this is such an annoying video. The first two points made were just straight up nonsense in terms of it being "tough".. i was waiting to hear complaints of substance not "hybrid working is tough".. Plus the issues youve highlighted are not specific to just trainees - im sure most people working in office environments have these same thoughts. Idk this to me is not it lol

[@simranjeetkmann]

fair enough pal - my videos aren’t for everyone. I just wanted to share my experiences and if that’s not the same as what you experienced then that’s okay.

[@nnnnnnnn4199]

@@simranjeetkmann i prefaced it with not wanting to come off rude because your videos are super informative and helpful in my journey. But yeah maybe this video wasnt for me.. lol

[@The_Wayfarers]

@@nnnnnnnn4199 “not to be rude but”, your offensive and insulting remark with a cognitive dissonant preface is as thick as they come. Jog on, and learn to appreciate the hard work people put in to make videos.