02 March 2021

By trainee Gabi Gershuny 

8 – 8.30am

Go for a walk or run before starting work. Prior to the COVID-19 outbreak I would walk to work every day, so this really helps me to get into the right mind-set.

9am

Sit down at my desk with a bowl of porridge, marmite and peanut butter (don’t knock it until you try it). Either I have a catch up with my supervisor to discuss my workload for the day, or I join a biweekly catch-up call with environmental lawyers in the Projects team where we discuss ongoing work. This is a fantastic way to build relationships and keep abreast of current matters.

9.30am

Carry out a research task relating to company obligations under UK law relating to environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) issues for a large international luxury retailer. ESG is a growing area of concern for many corporates and the Environment team advises on the complex web of legal and regulatory requirements involved.

11.30am

Review a Managed Services Agreement relating to energy managed services. This is an agreement between our client, a hospital trust, and a supplier for the provision of energy management, maintenance and operation at a hospital within the trust. Contract review is a core skill to develop as a Projects trainee and applies to the breadth of commercial contracts that you will encounter across the practice areas and sectors that the department encompasses.

1pm

I join a monthly meeting of the South West Committee of the UK Environmental Law Association whilst tucking into some lunch. I have a particular interest in environmental law and was involved with UKELA as a law student. I was therefore delighted to join the committee, which includes members of the Burges Salmon Environment team and lawyers from other firms. This is a great way to build my external network and environmental expertise.

2pm

I start drafting a briefing paper summarising the effect of a Deed of Amendment that makes changes to an underlying agreement for a Rail client. Rail (along with energy and environment) is another key sector in which the Projects team operates, so as a trainee you are likely to gain experience in this area. You should be starting to get a sense of day-to-day variety that comes with the territory in Projects!

3.30pm

I attend a training session that introduces junior lawyers to procurement law, the first in a series relating to this practice area. There are many departmental and firm-wide training opportunities, which help you to develop core knowledge and skills. 

3.45pm

I grab a cup of tea and go for a brisk walk outside. I find that working from home means that there are less natural breaks during the day, so it’s important to step away from the desk, clear your mind and stay active.

4.30pm

I help my supervisor to manage our internal billing process for a large environmental litigation claim. Billing is just one of the many essential matter management skills that you will start to develop as a trainee.

6pm

I join an online yoga class and unwind from the day.

Key contact

Headshot of Penny Bowring

Penny Bowring Resourcing Specialist

Legal Resourcing

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