• Exactly how many copies of the writ am I supposed to issue and which ones am I supposed to serve?
• Does it matter if I disclose a privileged document?
• What if an original document gets stuck in the photocopier?
• So the first mark up is in red and then the next is in Purple?
• The Shelf Company needs a secretary and two directors, or is it the other way round?

More importantly there are certain questions that you may now need to get answers to. Below are eight of the most common questions, which affect your future. We hope to provide some constructive career advice in respective of each of them.

1. Should I stay or should I go?

Everybody seems to be on the move - should you be too? Despite the activity that fills miles of column inches in the legal press each week, should you add to the traffic? Think hard about the role offered and the culture of the firm you are at. It may well be that you have been offered what you want and you get on well with your colleagues and seniors. You would be quite right thinking "if it ain't broke don't fix it"; don't forget things are going to be hard enough the other side of qualification. What have you got to gain by moving?

2. I haven't been kept on!

Has everyone been let go? If so, the decision doesn't reflect on your ability. If not it may be that you have indicated your interest in a department that simply hasn't got the capacity to take on a Newly Qualified at this point. Ask questions, try and get more information, and then build on the positive aspects of the feedback you are able to get.

3. I have been offered - but not what I want?

This is a common problem; many areas and teams are habitually oversubscribed. Do you settle for the area you have been offered in, or hold out for what you really want? You don't want to find yourself out of work, it is harder to find a new role from a position of no job. Find out if you could develop the role you have been offered so that it brings into play more of the work you really want. Be careful you don't get trapped in an area you really don't enjoy, that's going to bring you back to the drawing board in a year or so's time. Be clear of your long-term plans and be sure you are happy to settle in this instance for second best.

4. How important is the quality and breadth of my training?

All important. This is the basis on which your new employers will judge you. If you have had lots of responsibility and hands-on experience, make sure your CV reflects this. "Big name" firms carry clout on a CV - as do academics. Prospective employers can be human too - and realise that a 6 months seat in one area is a very limited basis for a decision that maybe your final choice. If you think your training has been patchy, read up on your chosen area of law, be aware of recent developments, and display your interest and enthusiasm in the area at interview.

5. Can I move into an area not covered during training?

It's difficult. You are expected on qualification to have the bare bones, a basic understanding of your chosen area of law. If you have no experience then the learning curve in front of you is going to be steep. Some employers are prepared to retrain and look for some relevant experience in another area. This is particularly so in areas where there is traditionally a skills shortage. However, in these circumstances you are going to have come up with some very good reasons for your change to supplement your background knowledge and enthusiasm at interview.

6. Should I specialise now?

The only rule is there are no rules. Some say that you need to focus from the outset, others that you are to keep your experience as broad as possible for as long as possible. To keep your practice area broad means that you can keep more options open to you at a later date but on the other side of the coin, it can impair your marketability in relation to opportunities that require high degrees of specialist knowledge.

7. I haven't got a 2:1

Academics are important. Obviously your GCSE in Technical Design may not be relevant but some of the major City firms, as well as regional practices, will be more reluctant to consider you without a 2:1. But do not despair. Focus on strengths and your relevant experience to enhance your prospects. A 2:1 increases your chances but not having one won't stop you getting a good position.

8. I haven't got a job

Stay calm, even though the market is not as buoyant as it has been, there may be a number of options for you to consider. Be flexible and consider all your options including different geographical locations and the possibility of a short-term contract. Working short term allows you the freedom to continue looking for a permanent position, whilst at the same time still building on your experience.

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