Hi,

I will join as an A0 with the arbitration team of a Tier 1 firm. My joining date will probably be in the third week of July. Since I am in my fifth year, I have a lot of free time, and I was wondering how I should prepare myself. Are there areas of law I should brush up on? Is there any other skill I should try to pick up?

I am asking this because I feel I am getting lazy in my 5th year and I know it is difficult, but I want the transition to be as smooth as possible.

It's good you want to prepare. My most important tip is to try to speak with people (your seniors) who work there, especially associates, because nobody can tell you what the team is like better than them. Try to understand the timings, the kind of work, stress/work-life balance, so you don't feel stressed out if you get there and find yourself working late hours, for example.

Other than that, I would recommend enjoying your fifth year as much as possible and refresh and recharge :) but I do understand if you are anxious about getting lazy and wanting to prepare. Know the basics of arbitration act, landmark judgements, read the news, etc. but most importantly, focus on procedure. Don't make anyone have to explain to you what is a Section 8/9/11. Be well acquainted with Microsoft Word, checking court orders, etc. The work in the initial few months is unlikely to be more demanding than supporting your seniors. Remember, it ultimately matters what you do when you get there.

Congratulations on securing your job!! be diligent with your work when you join and everything will go well