Michael Smale - Day in the life

My day usually starts between 6.30-7.00am. I make breakfast for my 3 ½ (the ½ is very important to her) year old daughter and say goodbye to my wife and newborn son. I make a quick stop at nursery before heading to the office.

I log on and head straight for a cup of tea from the kitchen (I cannot function otherwise).

I check my emails/voicemails, review my diary and make a to-do list. I always have a more general to-do list but it is helpful for me to have a smaller list of critical tasks that I have to get to today. I set about a disclosure exercise.

I receive an application made by the claimant on a litigated matter and I turn my attention to that, noting the short timetable for responding. I make various calls to the client, Counsel and my opponent. I speak to my supervisor about strategy and draft my formal advices to the client.

I hit the gym. It is only a short walk from the office and it gives me time to think. I feel great afterwards and ready to get back to the grind. There are often a few of us that go so it’s also a social excursion. 

I check my emails before drafting instructions to Counsel to settle a defence. I revisit my analysis of the pleadings and consider the issues I want Counsel to give thought to.

I review a construction contract for a client looking to get involved in a project to build a new sports complex for a university. It is fascinating to see the varied projects our clients are involved with. I email my comments to the client for consideration.

I respond to emails that have arrived throughout the day and prepare for any travel I have coming up. Finally, I review my diary for the weeks ahead and mentally map out what I have to do tomorrow.