Trainee solicitor — Jasleen Sohal

After graduating with a history degree, Jasleen completed a law conversion course and secured a training contract with Womble Bond Dickinson (WBD)

Why did you decide on a career in law?

I have always had a passion for problem-solving and critical thinking, reading books and understanding business. Therefore, law has always been a natural career path for me. It is important to choose a career you enjoy and where your qualities will succeed.

A pivotal moment was gaining practical and hands-on experience by securing in-house legal work experience. I was involved in tasks such as drafting documents, attending meetings and networking with other lawyers. Here, I connected with the key qualities of a lawyer, such as adaptability, curiosity and forward-thinking, which made me decide to pursue a legal career.

What attracted you to the firm?

The main attraction was the culture of WBD and the firm's commitment to diversity and collaboration, which align with my personal values. It is important to be part of a firm that not only has a successful reputation and excels in its legal work, but also maintains a strong sense of community and integrity. Additionally, the quality of training at WBD is one that provides an excellent platform to enhance my personal and professional development.

What was the application process like?

It involved a number of stages, including:

• Video interview - I found this stage the most difficult. However, it is important to just take a deep breath, be yourself and answer the questions genuinely and with a smile.
• Assessment centre - this involved taking part in various tasks, including speed interviews and individual assessments, which required active contribution and teamwork.
• Work placement - this was an engaging week where I was able to get to know people across the business, work with my team and by the end of the week, present our findings.

Although it may seem overwhelming going through all these stages, everyone at the firm - and especially graduate recruitment - just want to get to know you and your personality. So, the best advice is to just be yourself and let your personality shine throughout the application process.

What's a typical day like as a trainee solicitor?

I usually get into the office before 9am, so I can check my emails and create a to-do list for the day by prioritising my tasks. My day usually involves attending meetings and preparing attendance notes. In my disputes seat, I was involved in preparing bundles, reviewing documents and completing research tasks.

There is a high level of responsibility and involvement as a trainee, however, I also have regular contact and meetings with my trainee supervisor and trainee buddy.

What part of your job do you enjoy the most?

Part and parcel of the job as a trainee is networking and getting involved with the wider business. I have been to various networking events, such as WBD Next Generation, and am involved in networks such as WBD Reach, who recently hosted a Black History Month event with Cargo Movement. I really enjoy this aspect of the job - networking and speaking to like-minded individuals from inside and outside of the business.

What are the challenges?

One of the biggest challenges I have faced is getting used to the technical nature of sitting in a construction disputes seat. It is hard getting your head around new legal terms and technical language that you don't study at university. However, I have been overcoming these challenges by dedicating time each week to complete sector-specific research using practical law resources, as well as using my team by asking questions and getting more involved in client matters.

There are a lot of stereotypes about working in law, can you debunk a myth?

A stereotype about working in law is the extremely long working hours. It is important to commit time to certain deadlines and prioritise my tasks, however, everyone in the team works together, and the firm has a very approachable and inviting culture that prioritises your wellbeing and training.

What are your career ambitions?

I want to continue building on my experiences and learning throughout my training contract over the seat rotations. I will then be looking to choose a team for qualification and start thinking about the NQ (newly qualified) process as I progress throughout my legal career.

I want to be exposed to as many opportunities as I can to enhance my professional development and become a successful lawyer, not just in terms of legal work but also being a D&I (diversity and inclusion) advocate in the legal sector.

Why should future trainees/apprentices consider applying to the firm?

WBD is a firm where you will not only get great opportunities to succeed in your legal career and develop your professional skills, but its culture and values make you feel like you are also part of a community.

Trainees are actively encouraged to get involved in the wider business and networks - for example, I recently became a panel member for WBD Thrive. The firm's commitment to networks such as WBD Thrive and WBD Reach, to encourage diversity, inclusion and equality in the workplace, provides a great platform for you to start and develop your legal career.

Find out more

• Discover what it takes to become a solicitor.
• Explore the areas of law you could work in.
• Consider a law career with Womble Bond Dickinson.