Meet the trainee

Name: Julian Rogozinski
 

Education: Law degree at Manchester Metropolitan University (1st Class Hons) and LPC also at Manchester Metropolitan University (Distinction)
 

Start date: September 2009
 

Departments you’ve worked in so far: Regulatory and Compliance, Commercial Property, Corporate Commercial, Personal Injury and Medical Negligence.
 

What attracted you to Linder Myers? Having worked here prior to getting a training contract I was impressed by the quality work trainees get given here. The efforts of those on training contracts are thoroughly appreciated. It was good to see how trainees are not treated just as a spare part to throw the odd bit of work to, but form a substantial part of the team in each department.

I was attracted by the firm’s reputation amongst not only previous trainees that had worked here, but its national and North West reputation also as a solid, growing medium sized city law firm. I was confident that I would receive quality training here to equip me in my career as a solicitor.
 

How have you settled in at the firm? I have settled in well. All the staff from my first seat were helpful, approachable and supportive. This trend continued into my second seat. From my first day I was thrown into the deep end so to speak. However there was always somebody there to help out if I was unsure on something, be it a secretary, solicitor or partner.

I’ve always got on great with the other trainees. As we’re in the same position it’s easy to relate to them and we always help each other out if one of us has worked in that department previously. We went out on the first week for drinks and food at a Manchester Trainee Solicitor Group (MTSG) event and continue to meet up often after work to catch up on what’s been happening!
 

How have you found the work so far? The hours are not too demanding, but they need to be put in when the workload builds up or when the department is dealing with a large case with strict deadlines approaching. I have often stayed over 5:30 pm to ensure I’m up to date with my work! I have always expected this pursuing a career as a solicitor although it sometimes feels like there should be more hours in a day! I feel much more satisfied putting in that extra time knowing that I have accomplished in the day what I set out to do.
 

What is your favourite part of working for Linder Myers? I enjoy the responsibility and independence that is given to trainees. I don’t think many firms would trust their trainees to take on the responsibility of going to meet and network with clients or go to a hearing on their own on the client’s behalf. 

I feel you can learn a lot as a trainee at Linder Myers, given the independence and responsibility given to trainees here. My confidence and willingness to take on new challenges has definitely flourished even in my first year as a trainee.
 

Any parts of it that you don’t like or have found difficult during your training contract? Ideally for any trainee its great to be doing something different everyday. Unfortunately however not everyday works that way. On occasions I have to deal with administrative tasks that can feel monotonous and unchallenging. However, this type of work is only typically given to me when a fee earner is seriously snowed under or there is a big case approaching trial. At times like this I appreciate the greater cause and don’t generally mind at all to get stuck in to the gritty work!

Another pet hate of mine is filing!  

What advice would you give to someone applying to Linder Myers?

Be prepared to take on responsibilities that others would only get when qualified. Let Linder Myers know your strengths. Be confident, outgoing and don’t be afraid to speak your mind.