First year trainee here. Having the standard wobbles but generally surviving.

My question is - how can I tell if I'm doing well? More specifically, what common and avoidable mistakes (specific or general) do trainees make, and what attitude or actions impress you?

Recently overheard some associates complaining about another trainee and now I have the fear... I want to get this right. Thanks in advance.

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1. Be really organised and keep track of deal timelines, even small ones like delivery timing of share certs under a share charge. Save all docs and emails promptly. Docs should be named such that they’re easy to identify.

2. Run redlines correctly. Redlines are the most essential tool for finance lawyers. Know which is the base document to run. When asked to compare against a precedent for security docs, run first party security against first party security (and not 3p security unless asked to do so). Run redline of your work against final product sent externally to see amendments made by seniors - helps you learn faster

3. Ask questions when in doubt. Always clarify the task when unsure.

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Thank you so much, this is so helpful! In particular I hadn't thought to email myself call notes, that is so useful. I'm going to take all of these on board - I've found that half the battle has been getting used to the environment and funding ways to use outlook to my advantage which freaky is an uphill battle! Thank you!

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Trainee = London? What sort of firm?

There is a bit of a culture of “if we say nothing, must mean you’re doing OK”; this is obviously not ideal.

Proactively ask for feedback after big chunks of work; review (and redline) markups when seniors provide comments. Check in with your supervisor often. Otherwise, try not to stress too much: if you get work from the same person again and again, you must be doing well.

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