Cripps LLP

A day in the life of... Rosie Harvey, Solicitor apprentice, Cripps LLP

Departments to date: Corporate; Commercial real estate, Specialist disputes; Private client; Property dispute resolution (current)

7.30am: I typically arrive at the office early – fortunately I have a quick 15-minute commute! I like to use this time for revision for my upcoming SQE exams in January. I like to listen to pre-recorded videos on various legal topics and complete practice questions.

8.45am: I then grab a coffee from the kitchen and sit down to check my work emails, catching up with anything that may have changed since I left the office the day before. I write a task list for the day, ensuring that anything urgent is prioritised. My day-to-day work is varied depending on which team I am currently working in. Generally, my day will involve drafting emails to opposing parties, preparing advice for clients, drafting legal documents or conducting research for other fee-earners in the team. While working in the specialist disputes team I was able to attend court with our appointed barrister, as well as attending a full day mediation in a professional negligence claim. These were both exciting matters and one of the parts I enjoy most about litigation work.

1.00pm: My lunch break is usually spent walking into Tunbridge Wells, to do some shopping or grab a sandwich to eat on our rooftop, the ‘Sky Lounge’, where we can all
sit, relax and be away from our desk for a while. We also have a running club and a yoga class available for those who would like to take part over their lunch break.

2.00pm: In the afternoon, I will review what’s left of my task list and I often find I use the afternoons to update my training record and seat-checklist. Other than fee-earning work, I also sit on various committees, including our community pillar and the charity committee. This involves attending a few internal meetings to catch up on how the committee is doing, what events we have lined up and what we need to plan going forward. Apprentices and trainee solicitors are encouraged to join these groups and take part in wider firm initiatives and it’s a good way of networking across our Horsham and London offices.

5.15pm: I start to tidy up loose ends and shut down my computer for the day and head back home.

About the firm

Senior partner: Mike Scott

Managing partner: James Beatton

Other offices: London and Horsham

Who we are: https://www.cripps.co.uk/our-difference/.

What we do: We provide a fully integrated offering for HNW individuals and families, national and international privately owned businesses, non-profit organisations and institutional investors. We have one of the UK’s largest private client teams helping individuals and families to maximise their assets, making their lives easier by taking the burden out of managing their personal affairs. Our multi-award-winning corporate team supports many of the UK’s most exciting businesses from innovative start-ups to global brands, fulfilling all the legal service needs a business has during its life cycle. We have one of the largest commercial real estate teams in the UK covering every aspect of the property life cycle, working with private and institutional owners/investors, developers, lenders, private equity, landed estates and major occupiers.

What we’re looking for: Well-rounded individuals with good personal and communication skills; participative team players; methodical, accurate, well organised and the ability to work to deadlines.

What you’ll do: Work closely with solicitors to deliver exceptional service to our clients; prepare legal documents; carry out legal research; attend client meetings; communicate with third parties and clients; and attend court and tribunal hearings.

Perks: Pension; healthcare; life assurance; group income protection; holiday – five working weeks plus statutory holidays, buy or sell, and holiday carry over, of one working week also available each year; charity day to use each year; birthday leave where your birthday falls on a working day; Summer ball/Christmas lunches; free 24hr counselling services via an Employee Assistance Programme.

Seat options

Residential conveyancing; commercial real estate; corporate transactions; banking; commercial dispute resolution; property dispute resolution; employment; specialist dispute resolution and family.

Diversity and inclusion