Settling in as a Russell-Cooke trainee: my first two months

Our induction week was all about learning Russell-Cooke’s culture, structure and people. We had a tour of our three offices, each having its own distinct feel. Bedford Row, with its historic architecture, stood out as my favourite, whilst the Kingston office offers a relaxed atmosphere by the river - and, as we’re told, the occasional visit from a resident seal. 

We joined associates and other trainees for informal drinks at each office, which was a great way to meet people from across the firm. Lunch at Pizza Express (a Russell-Cooke tradition) with the cohort above also helped settle any first-week nerves and gave us an early sense of the firm’s friendly atmosphere. 

There are eight in my trainee cohort and we’ve bonded as a team from the start. Both sets of trainees, first-seaters and third-seaters, often have lunch together and share tips, stories and advice. Knowing that others are going through the same experiences has made a big difference in adjusting to the role. We have a fantastic support network in each other, which has been invaluable for navigating these first couple of months. 

I started my first seat in the trust and estate disputes (TED) team in the Putney office and it’s been a busy and rewarding area to get stuck into. I didn’t expect to get this much responsibility and client contact so early on, but Russell-Cooke’s hands-on approach has been excellent for learning on the job. I have had the chance to draft letters, witness statements and instructions to counsel, as well as conduct legal research. I was even encouraged to lead a client meeting – something I never thought I’d do in my first seat!

The TED team have been incredibly supportive throughout. Partner Gareth Ledsham is approachable and always open to questions and the team helps ensure I understand the broader context of my work. This balance of autonomy and support has made the work challenging but manageable. I can feel my confidence growing as I tackle new tasks. 

Russell-Cooke places a big emphasis on developing trainees, which has been reassuring. We have attended sessions on time-recording, risk and compliance, networking and telephone skills. There’s also flexibility in completing our Professional Skills Course (PSC) modules; a few of us have already booked to go on courses together, adding a social aspect to our formal training.

Russell-Cooke has a strong commitment to community work, and I was excited to take part in the London Legal Support Trust’s Walk the Thames event with a few other trainees. We walked a half-marathon route from Tower Bridge along the Thames, taking in some of London’s best views and finishing at a pub in Putney. It was a great way to connect with colleagues while raising money for a good cause. Though my feet took a few days to recover, it was a highlight of these first months!