The first step in many training contract application processes (including ours!) is to provide a CV and cover letter. While this could be the first stage of many, it is a crucial step to set the tone of your application throughout the process. It is no secret that training contracts are hugely competitive, with some
The return from the Christmas break as a trainee not only means a return to work, but a fresh start in a new seat (i.e. department). For me, this means a move from our Private Family department into my second seat in Private Client. It also means I am back in our Luton office having
My team are currently hybrid working, because of the pandemic which means that some days we are in the office and some days we work from home. We make sure that we speak regularly over the phone and on zoom when working from home. When I do go into office, I usually arrive slightly early
From starting as a trainee solicitor, I have been surprised by the level of responsibility and accountability which comes with the role, even as early as my first seat. Unsurprisingly, as a trainee it is unlikely that you will walk straight into a firm and be ready to run a case or make strategic decisions
I am currently splitting my time between working in the office and at home on a 50/50 basis. This began mostly because of COVID-19 but I find it is best suited to me. I balance seeing my colleagues in the office as well as enjoying the easier commute to my kitchen table. On this particular
7:30am: I’m usually in the office two or three days a week, and although I’m at home today I tend to get started at a reasonable time to stay in a good routine. After a shower, breakfast and a quick flick through the news I’m ready to log on. 8:45am: I fire up my laptop
As a Trainee Solicitor, you typically spend the first 4-8 weeks of each seat rotation fighting what feels like an uphill battle whilst you get to grips with the new found territory that is your new department. Everything is new and unfamiliar and your experience in your previous seat where you had some comfort in
This particular day starts in the office, but given that we are still navigating COVID-19, I am currently splitting my time around 50/50 between working from home and being in the office. Whilst I generally prefer working in the office, you really cannot beat the commute from the kitchen to my home desk. I tend
Changing career has certainly become more common in recent times, and while the average age of an individual admitted to the Law Society’s role of solicitors is now 29-30, it is still relatively unusual to see more mature trainees. The process of securing a training contract is a stressful and frustrating one, and adding in
Samantha is a 2nd year trainee at Machins Solicitors. Having worked previously in another Bedfordshire firm as a conveyancing assistant, Samantha’s background leans mostly towards property matters. Samantha’s seats have included Commercial Property (6 months), Family (9 months), and is finishing her training contract in Dispute Resolution (9 months). Samantha is due to qualify in