Trainees will typically be responsible for managing projects (i.e. “client matters”), especially in the context of document review and due diligence. 

On a day-to-day basis, this can involve (for example):

• Chasing internal teams for input/advice.
• Answering questions from other teams and advisors or clients.
• Coordinating paralegals, PAs and others during a document review process or when preparing bundles for court hearings.
• Keeping records of received/outstanding information (get ready to use Microsoft Excel more than you had probably anticipated!).
• Engaging and liaising with barristers, local counsel (i.e. law firms based in other jurisdictions) and specialist law firms.

Local counsel: this is the term generally used for firms/lawyers in foreign jurisdictions who are advising on foreign law aspects of a deal (not to be confused with “counsel”, which is the term used for barristers in a litigation context).

Trainees may also be responsible for coordinating deal signings/closings, which can involve ensuring that execution versions of all the necessary documents have been printed (with the correct signature blocks in place), laying out the documents in a signing room and ensuring the correct parties sign in all the correct places.