Ania Chapman – Training at Edwin Coe

Ania Chapman
Senior Associate | Private Client
Trainee Solicitor 2011-2013

A day in the life of Ania Chapman

I arrive in the office by 9am (or earlier if I am attending an early meeting or have an extensive “to-do” list), ideally coffee in hand. I usually get urgent tasks done first, such as letters that need to go out that morning, or review some inheritance tax accounts that I have completed the day before. The day is very busy and I assist practically all the fee-earners in the department. My workload is extremely varied and from day to day I could be involved with any of the following: trust management (such as drafting deeds of appointment and inheritance tax accounts), drafting wills, probate, setting up charities and even some Court of Protection work (together with a helping of legal research thrown in – the hallmark of the trainee experience!).

Usually lunch involves a sandwich at my desk although sometimes I will pop out for a bite to eat with other trainees, depending on how busy I am. The work in Private Client is both intellectually stimulating and rewarding as you are in close contact with very interesting clients from day one. The day goes quickly and I usually finish by 7pm work-permitting.

The highlights of training with Edwin Coe include sharing an office with a partner who is well-established in their field and the hands-on experience, not to mention the firm’s wonderful location. Lincoln’s Inn feels very remote from the hustle and bustle of Holborn and in summer it is fantastic to be able to picnic on the grass during lunch hour. Outside of work there are netball and football teams to get involved with and the Social Committee organises a number of events during the year, which have recently included go-karting, bowling and the annual Christmas party. This ensures a healthy balance of high quality and challenging work and play.