By Lauryn Thurlow, Property Trainee
I am now 6 months into my training contract at Preston Redman. My first seat has been in the property department where I have been brought in on a wide variety of matters. My workload ranges from residential conveyancing to lease extensions and property enfranchisement.
7:45: I get into the office, make myself a cup of tea and sort through my emails. I feel far more alert and switched on in the early morning and I am grateful that the firm is flexible and allows us to work the hours that we feel are productive. I organise my emails first thing to paint a picture of what needs prioritising and make my to do list for the day.
8:00: My morning tasks included drafting a new lease for a local flat that is using the statutory process to have the lease extended. I started out by reading the original lease and noting anything other than the rent and the term that I think should be amended/modernised.
10:30: I joined the weekly teams meeting with the property department. We had a CPD talk hosted by a partner in the team where he explained the purpose of overage agreements and things to look out for when using them. He had a recent matter that included an overage agreement and he explained how it made the matter more complex.
11:00: I joined a few of my colleagues in the conference room for morning coffee. This is a daily occurrence at the firm and a great opportunity to chat with staff in other departments about matters that you may need assistance on, or just take a minute to chat about personal matters and break up the morning.
11:15: I began drafting a report on title for a new residential leasehold purchase. Firstly I reviewed all the title documents and search results picking out the information that I thought was of particular interest to our client and making a note of what issues we will need the seller to elaborate on. I kept a list of potential enquiries that needed to be raised as I reviewed the documents. I then put my findings into a report explaining the benefits and consequences of the situation to the client.
12:45: I go for lunch with a few of my colleagues in the office.
14:00: We have received completion funds in relation to a freehold sale. I contact our client and arrange for the necessary funds to be sent out and confirm release of keys with the estate agents.
16:00: I have clients attend the office to sign the contract for their freehold purchase and review the report on title and ask any questions they had regarding the potential risks that come with the property.
17:30: The working day ends and I meet my colleagues outside the offices for our weekly running club. We head out for a sociable evening run along the beach.