A legal trainee assists one or more attorneys in the office with a variety of tasks. Some trainee jobs require interviewing clients, conducting investigations, and preparing written documentation. A legal trainee may be required to have a law degree in some cases, but some employers may hire students and others working in the legal field who have not completed the necessary education or licensing requirements to practice law.
Working in law offices allows trainees to gain firsthand knowledge of what it takes to pursue a legal career. In most cases, a legal trainee serves as a support staff member for one or more attorneys. A trainee in this position is responsible for a wide range of tasks, including making phone calls, filing paperwork, drafting letters, and conducting research. Trainees in these positions get to work in a legal setting while learning about the various functions of an attorney, a paralegal, a private investigator, and other legal professionals.
The specific responsibilities of a legal trainee will differ depending on the employer and the laws that govern the jurisdiction in which the trainee works. In many cases, however, trainees assist with client interviews, case investigations, legal briefings, and ensuring that subpoenas are delivered on time. A legal trainee who is capable of doing so could also be trusted to ensure that contract standards are met and budgets are met.
Working as a legal trainee is a common career planning strategy for people who want to become practicing attorneys. As a way to help students gain experience, some law schools offer trainee job placement. As a means of advancing their careers, some people volunteer for unpaid legal trainee positions with law firms.
The requirements for becoming a legal trainee can also differ. Many law firms prefer to work with students who are still in law school or have recently graduated from law school. Some trainees, on the other hand, may be able to work for attorneys without a degree if they have relevant experience in another corporate position or profession. Almost all trainee positions require a high level of attention to detail, organization, reliability, and the ability to work well with others. For those seeking trainee positions, good written and verbal communication skills, as well as the ability to efficiently handle multiple tasks at once, are also advantageous.