Transitioning into my position was quite easy due to the supportive team I have here in London. My Site Managers and Legal Associate have only been a phone call away, allowing me to learn to the best of my ability while not feeling alone if I’m confused or don’t understand something. Additionally, due the primary language here being English, that language barrier that would make it harder to communicate or understand is not there. That way communicating with the clientele, law firms, reading case briefs, preparing arguments, etc. were done in a manner that I was comfortable with.
I view my acclamation into my internship as very smooth. Of course, I’ve had moments where I didn’t understand anything that was going on, particularly in arbitration litigation or dispute resolution, asking questions rather than trying to figure it out myself has worked out in not only my favor, but the clients I have worked with.
The only difficulty that I have with transitioning is the legal lingo that is used here in London. They either have different legal terminology for a certain things or that have a whole new area that I haven’t learned about yet in the United States. Therefore, some things I learn quickly then I need to immediately need apply it to the case that I’m working on at the moment. Another difficulty, a major one actually, is the different cuisine here. I have recently discovered that I do not like English food due to what tastes bland to me. Finding food options and things that I like that are cost effective has been interesting. Otherwise, off to a strong start!!
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