Staff blog - Highlights of my Training Contract so far

We are pleased to be able to share blogs written by our staff, talking about their job role, working at the firm and career progression at Crombie Wilkinson Solicitors.

In this blog by Emma Campbell, Trainee Solicitor at Crombie Wilkinson Solicitors, she answers questions about her training contract so far and her achievements in her seat in the residential property team in her journey as a Trainee Solicitor.

She has demonstrated how our Values (#ClientCentred, #ContinuousImprovement, #Citizenship, #CommunityFocus) are embraced by us in our day to day roles and activity.

Thank you Emma for continuing to share your career journey so far with us.

What have been the highlights of your Training Contract so far?

I am just coming to the end of my second seat which I have spent working in the Residential Property department. I have really enjoyed my Training Contract to date. Just like in my Family seat, I have been treated as a key member of the Residential Property team and I have been given a lot of responsibility throughout my seat. During my seat, I have spent a lot of time working closely with my supervisor as well as undertaking tasks for other members of the team.

As a result of this, I have worked closely with different colleagues and I have been given a true insight into what life as a Solicitor in the Residential Property department would entail. It has been a very busy, but also a very enjoyable second seat.

What have been your main achievements in your Residential Property seat?

One of my main achievements from my time in the Residential Property department has been the way I have been able to develop my skills quickly. This is an area I have had very limited experience in previously and so I joined the team looking to gain an understanding of this new area. I have been able to build upon the skills I developed during my Family seat and adapt quickly to this new department. (#Continuous Improvement).

One of my main achievements in my Residential Property seat has been having files in my own name. I have been given the responsibility to undertake my own work under supervision and really do feel I have learned a lot in such a short space of time. I have worked on a wide variety of different Residential Property transactions and have been treated as a valued member of the team.

In addition, there have been periods of time where colleagues have been on annual leave, and I have been responsible for making sure matters proceed in their absence. One of my biggest achievements in this seat was assisting with a completion of a Purchase for our clients. Our clients were becoming frustrated at the delay, and I was able to prioritise this for the clients and ensure this proceeded (#Client Centered). As a result of this, I was awarded a Head of Department Outstanding Performance Award to thank me for my efforts (#Citizenship).

I have very much enjoyed my time working in the Residential Property department. The team have been very welcoming and have worked with me to aid my development. As a result of this, my time in the Residential Property team has been invaluable and I would like to thank all those in the team who have helped me (#Citizenship; Continuous Improvement)

What support have you had from the team?

I joined the Residential Property team in October 2021, just as the Stamp Duty Holiday came to an end. This was a period of time that placed exceptional pressure upon the Residential Property team. However, despite the team going through their busiest period, I have been fully supported by the team and I was welcomed into the department.

During my time in the Residential Property department and as a result of the ongoing Coronavirus Pandemic, I have predominantly worked remotely and as restrictions have eased, we have been adapting to the new hybrid style of working. I have been helped throughout my time in the Residential Property department and I do feel remote working has benefitted my Training Contract. The Pandemic has brought all of the teams across the firm closer together and we are all working much more efficiently (#Citizenship). I have personally benefitted from this as I have had the opportunity of working closely with colleagues I would not have previously worked with due to us being located at other offices.

Everyone in the Residential Property department has been incredibly approachable. My colleagues have always been on hand to answer my questions, both in the office and whilst working from home, and they have been willing to assist me throughout my time in the seat. I have been fully supported by the Residential Property team during my seat and received guidance throughout, especially from my supervisor. My colleagues have assisted me with my development and ensured that I have achieved the most out of my Residential Property seat (#Citizenship).

What has been your proudest moment in your Residential Property seat?

In the Residential Property department, we help clients who are going through a very stressful experience. It is often said that moving home is one of the most stressful events you will have to experience.  

My proudest moments in my Residential Property seat have been assisting these clients who are going through a stressful time and helping them achieve the best outcome possible (#ClientCentred). I enjoy assisting and supporting these clients throughout the stressful periods of their lives and ensuring I am providing the best service possible to them. It is very rewarding when a client thanks you for your efforts. It is invaluable knowing you have assisted them throughout this challenging time.

What can you take from your time in the Residential Property department in to your next seat?

I would say the biggest thing I will take from my time in the Residential Property department is my ability to quickly learn and develop in a new area. I have been able to build upon the skills I learned in my first seat and use these in my second seat. Crombie Wilkinson fully involves you in the team you are working with and as a result, you are actively contributing to the department from your very first day. I really feel I have grown during my second seat and know I have achieved a lot during this short period of time (#ContinuousImprovement).

I will shortly be moving into the Private Client department for my final seat. I am looking forward to working in a new area that I have not worked in previously and I am excited to see what the next stage of my training will bring.