Tales from a Trainee Solicitor’s Second Seat

Posted: 17th September 2024
by Josh Horne

Before starting their first seat, many Trainee Solicitors may not know what to expect in the role or what their day to day might look like. Trainee Solicitor Josh Horne previously spoke to us about starting his Solicitor journey and took us through the first seat of his training contract within EMG Solicitor’s Litigation Deptartment. Now rounding out his second placement, he’ll take us through how his time in a new team went and what the change was like.

First Day

On 01 March 2024, I made the leap into the Court of Protection (Property and Affairs) team, leaving behind the comfort of Litigation where I’d just begun to find my stride. The nature of the Training Contract means you move department every six months, and the thought of diving into a completely different area of law made me nervous. New tasks, new challenges, and a whole new area of expertise – it was a lot to take in! But the team immediately put me at ease. They welcomed me with open arms, and, to my delight, an unexpected number of snacks. Their warmth and support made the transition far smoother, and before I knew it, I felt right at home in my new department.

What is a Typical Day in COP P&A

When an individual is assessed as lacking the capacity to manage their own property and financial affairs, the Court of Protection may appoint a deputy to act on their behalf. This deputy assumes responsibility for managing the person’s property and affairs in their best interests. At EMG Solicitors, we have a team of four professional deputies who oversee the financial affairs of a diverse range of individuals, many of whom possess substantial assets following personal injury claims. Our department supports these deputies in carrying out a variety of tasks, such as handling property transactions, managing bank accounts, overseeing investments, and more.

Every day in the Court of Protection (Property and Affairs) department is unique, reflecting the individuality of our clients’ lives, needs, and aspirations. One day, we may assist a client in purchasing a new home, collaborating with architects to adapt the property to meet their specific requirements. On another day, we may work closely with investment managers to strategically invest compensation funds, helping to grow our clients’ assets and ensure their financial stability over the long term.

Working within this department has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Many of our clients have faced significant challenges, such as life-changing injuries resulting from road traffic accidents. The role of the deputy is to provide support and guidance in respect of their financial affairs, as clients navigate these difficult circumstances. It is particularly fulfilling to witness our clients achieve their goals—whether it be purchasing their own home, reaching rehabilitation milestones, or acquiring something they have always dreamed of.

Upcoming Seat

I am preparing for my upcoming six-month seat in the Wills, Trusts, and Probate department, which I believe will present a refreshing and valuable challenge. This area of law offers an opportunity to deepen my understanding of the complexities involved and to learn how best to support clients in safeguarding their future and that of their loved ones.

Though I have only been in the department for a few weeks, I already find the work fascinating. It has also made me appreciate the crucial role that Wills and estate planning play in long-term financial security. Like many, I initially underestimated the importance of having a well-structured will as part of future life planning, but my time here is quickly reshaping that perspective.

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