Aoife Hyland

6.30 AM

After snoozing my 5 different alarms, I finally wake up. I pick out an outfit that makes me feel like a big-shot corporate girl – but can’t forget my change of shoes to walk to the bus stop!

8.00 AM

I order a pre-work matcha from the café near the office. I can’t live without a quick drink and time to read my book, it’s the perfect start to a workday. 

8.40 AM

Today’s work kicks off with a bit of legal research on Westlaw. Researching can be a bit of a mixed bag, sometimes you spend half a day looking for something that doesn’t exist, but on the rare occasion you come across the perfect case with a nice snappy quotation from the Judge, there’s nothing more satisfying. 

10.30 AM

10.30 means it’s break time, so we trek upstairs to the Hub for a morning coffee. We always make sure to have a quick chat and scavenge a biscuit (or two). I’ve managed to work out how to make an espresso coffee shot on my own so far, but still need my someone from my team to steam the milk for me. Maybe when I’m a grad I’ll learn… 

11.00 AM

Time to sit in and take notes at a client meeting with my supervising partner. I find that I always learn a lot just from listening to what the advice for the client is, plus it is nice to put a face to the name! 

11.30 AM

I end up being asked to draft a letter to the other side for the client from the meeting! Being a clerk involves lots of drafting, whether that be separation agreements, contacting out agreements, or court documents. Even though it can be a challenge, it is great to have the opportunity to have an initial crack at it.

1.00 PM

At lunch time, you can usually find me sitting outside with the other summer clerks, soaking up some vitamin D! Sometimes, if everyone is around, we will treat ourselves to a little outing to buy lunch. 

2.00 PM

In the afternoon I usually get some feedback on drafts I have handed over. Most of the time, they come back covered in red pen, but the best way to learn is seeing what the final product looks like. Back to the drawing board! 

3.45 PM 

It’s Friday which means I am waiting expectantly at my desk for the lolly trolly to come by. I have to make sure I stock up on sweet treats to keep me going through the week.

5.00 PM

I say my goodbyes before I clock out for the day.

6.00 PM

Finally, home after burning up all my brain power for the day. I’ve got an episode of the tv show I am watching waiting for me, but sleep feels like the better option. Got to be rested ready for another big day tomorrow!

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