A Day in the Life of a Trainee Litigation Solicitor at Farleys: Balancing Client Work and the SQE

Want to know what it’s like to work at Farleys? Trainee litigation solicitor Edward Lowther takes us through his day in the Wigan office, sharing how he balances client work with studying for the SQE.

6:00am – Starting the Day

My day starts early with a strong coffee and a trip to the gym. It’s an important part of my routine, helping me clear my head before work. By the time I arrive at the office, I feel energised, focused and ready for the day ahead.

9:00am – Preparing for a Hearing

Today was a little different: I was attending a court hearing. As soon as I arrived at the office, I reviewed the case file, refreshed my understanding of the key issues and checked that everything was in order before heading to court.

11:00am – Back to the Office

After the hearing, I returned to the office having secured the dismissal of our opponent’s appeal. Taking responsibility for a hearing so early in my training contract gave me first-hand experience of court procedure and how disputes are determined in practice.

I then turned to other client matters, spending the rest of the morning reviewing correspondence and drafting a cease and desist letter relating to a boundary dispute.

Only a month into my seat, I am already discovering just how varied litigation can be.

1:00pm – Lunch and SQE Study

One of the perks of working in the Wigan office is having Lidl nearby! Its bakery section gets plenty of business from the Farleys team, and most lunchtime trips involve picking up something from there.

After eating, I use part of my lunch break for SQE study when I can. That might mean completing practice questions or revising a particular topic, making the most of the time available.

2:00pm – Drafting a Letter of Claim

When I returned from lunch, I had received instructions from a client to prepare a Letter of Claim. I spent the rest of the afternoon reviewing the relevant documents, analysing the available evidence and drafting the letter on the client’s behalf.

The task called for careful attention to detail and clear, precise drafting.

5:00pm – Heading Home

At 5:00pm, I packed away my laptop and prepared to head home after a busy, productive day.

Leaving the office does not always mean putting the books away, though. Studying for the SQE alongside a full-time trainee role means setting aside time for evening revision. Depending on the day, I may spend two to three hours preparing. The balance is challenging, but my first month has shown me that good organisation and time management make it achievable.

I am also beginning to see how work and study complement each other. Concepts covered in SQE revision arise in client matters, while practical experience brings the law to life in a way that textbooks alone cannot.

From a morning hearing to an afternoon drafting a Letter of Claim, today captures the variety I enjoy about my litigation seat. Balancing that work with SQE revision takes organisation, but the connection between the two makes the effort worthwhile: I can put my studies into context at work and take that practical understanding back to my revision.