Trainee Solicitor Review

Really well structure, clear and helpful insight into life as a solicitor and at the firm. Really enjoyable to discuss the firm in close detail with trainees, associates and partners. Full of useful insight, but still remained warm, open and friendly. Also great insight into the 'collegiate' nature of the firm.

All of the team were genuinely interested to learn about your motivation for becoming a solicitor and your interests in particular areas (mine were IP/litigation and corporate). Always offering to answer more questions (even ones they must have been asked countless times before!) and interested in your current work. During practical exercises, the trainees were also really supportive and took it upon themselves to help if necessary.

There was continuous guidance throughout the course of the day. In all areas from the practical exercises (negotiations and commercial awareness workshops) and insight into life at the firm, to applications advice (there was an entire portion of the day dedicated to this) and even just guiding you through each stage of the day.

The commercial awareness workshop called for on the spot thinking to solve complex issues. This measured, yet swift response to handling difficult scenarios is something which can be of great benefit in any scenario in the future. Much of the negotiations workshop involved constructing your case/argument as clearly as possible. This too is a skill which will be of great benefit to the quality of future written or presented work.

The structure was really detailed yet remained precise in the orders that the parts of the day were structured. With separate discussions on the firm, legal skills (negotiation/due diligence), life as a solicitor and the industry in general all the information given was made more freely flowing, as if from one piece of insight to the next.

The environment was always interactive whether new skills workshops, interactive presentations or learning about the firm. Most of all though, was the warm, friendly environment set by members of the firm and their supportive nature in answering any questions that were put to them.

There were constantly opportunities to ask trainees questions on life as a solicitor and also to learn closer insight into the firm itself. For group exercises there were trainees overseeing the workshops, who would often check that we had everything we needed and offered regular guidance should we like it.

Clear insight was given into the international nature of the firm from the start. Group exercises such as the negotiation skills and commercial awareness workshops provided a close practical insight into the skills required in your daily work as a solicitor. There were also regular intervals in which we could discuss the working at the firm with trainees and each helped provide even clearer insight.

I felt that I got a real sense of the working culture at the firm. All members of the team were open, welcoming and friendly throughout the day. I felt this both from the introductory partner presentation (which was particularly stimulating) to more general discussion with trainees and associates. The team were always on hand to help and eager to answer any questions we had.

I knew that I wanted to enter a career in commercial law before the Open Day, though the interactive exercises cemented this even further. I left the day feeling motivated, invigorated and excited at the prospect of more formal work at the firm. I thoroughly enjoyed having to think on my feet in response to business issues that were raised as part of the commercial awareness workshop. The negotiation skills session also provided me with new insight into (a more structured approach) and I relished working through the needs of two groups of people to meet a common agreement to satisfy both groups. This gave me a taste of the work of a commercial solicitor and sparked my ambition even further to follow in this work at the firm.

I didn't have any expenses that had to be reimbursed. Although it was made clear on the confirmation email that extensive travel costs would be reimbursed (there were sheets provided on the day for anyone that required such reimbursement).

There was a lengthy duration of the day dedicated solely for networking with trainees, associates and partners to learn as much as possible about the firm. There was also a section of the day dedicated to questions and answers on life as a solicitor (and the different seats/areas of practice) with a selection of trainees. Throughout the course of the day, trainees and some associates were on hand, available to offer guidance and answer any questions.

The networking was really enjoyable, and felt just like natural conversations. All members of the team made the day both useful and enjoyable. When it came to questions on the firm, I felt comfortable to ask my questions as they set a warm, inviting and friendly atmosphere for the day.

As well as focusing on working as a solicitor, trainees were also full of information on their activities outside of work and the different activities that the firm offers to its employees. This included social events, sports teams and even the possibility for support in learning languages. This opened up another unique aspect of the firm, in its focus on both professional and personal development of the trainees.

I would absolutely recommend this to anybody interested in a career in commercial law. If they are looking to be stimulated intellectually, enjoy discussing major commercial issues and have the opportunity to meet a group of friendly, warm and thought-provoking people then this would certainly be for them. A thoroughly enjoyable day which only fuelled my desire further to join the firm.