Training to be a solicitor and children

[greenshoes]

Anyone done it?

I am about to start my training contract some time this year but feel totally daunted by it. Is it really for me - type of thing?

I don't have a specific question but just wanted to guage others experiences of juggling a training contract/pressures of law firms and children.

There's plenty of working solicitors on here (including me). Yes it is stressful at times and a juggling act but I think that goes for most jobs. I am quite notorious for forgetting things to do with the kids and school etc especially playdates and birthday parties and exchanging contracts in the playground at pick up time does sometimes raise eyebrows but my clients all know I have children and that i am not always available and the vast majority have no problem with that. They are after all mostly parents themselves.

I am property lawyer in the provinces. I did not enjoy combining children with City law and changed track fairly quickly. As a result I earn less now than I did 16 years ago.

Good luck, well done in getting the training contract and I hope you enjoy it.

Thanks Battery. I think my main concern is screwing things up at work, being frazzled and letting things slip through the net. However I get the impression that this will improve with experience....?

There was a thread on exactly this in this section about three weeks ago If you search for it you'll find lots of posts advising you on this.

here

I think a lot depends on the firm. As Battery says I couldn't see me having combined a role as a lawyer in the city with children (at least not without a stay at home husband). However, the role I'm in at the moment is very family friendly, and I love it, as do the trainees-one of whom has recently announced her pregnancy, and over the last couple of years there have been others who have had children and trained. I was a single mum for 6 years and managed my role, and I am extremely disorganised in my personal life!

I went on maternity leave just as I qualified. I work part time now as a family solicitor doing mainly legal aid work (may not exist soon!). The pay is terrible but I enjoy my job and I find that I am no less mentally sharp than i used to be, even when sleep deprived! I find the nature of my work a bit more upsetting now I have a DD but I have decided not to do any care work (child protection) which has been honoured by my employer.
I know quite a few other mums who have done it too. I think it depends if you love the work and it suits you. If so, you will make it work for you. the only thing I'd say is that lawyers can be 'tough' people and I haven't exactly had my hand held.I'm expected to get on with it.