Case study

Jessica Watts — Trainee solicitor

Employer
Womble Bond Dickinson

Jessica is a third-seat trainee in the Employment team at Womble Bond Dickinson (WBD). Her previous seats included Planning and Infrastructure, followed by Agriculture, Farms and Estates.

Why did you decide on a career in law?

Ultimately, I decided to pursue a career in law as it aligned with both my skillset and interests. Having always been a driven and inquisitive person, I wanted a career where I would be challenged, intellectually stimulated and given the opportunity to work on innovative and relevant work with like-minded individuals.

As a complex and changing profession, that doesn't involve simply applying the law, but also making strategic decisions within the wider commercial context, a career in law offered exactly that.

Given the wide nature of the law, a career in law can mean many things depending on what you specialise in, but I enjoy that as a trainee you're able to experience different seats to understand what you specifically want to specialise in.

What was your route to law?

I studied philosophy and history at Cardiff University. While I always knew I wanted to pursue a career in law, I'd particularly enjoyed and excelled in these subjects at A-level and knew I could complete the law conversion course after my degree. Upon completion of my degree and having gained a training contract, I returned to The University of Law (Exeter) to undertake the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) and Legal Practice Course (LPC).

I recall that prior to applying for training contracts, I was worried that not having studied law would be a disadvantage. I soon discovered that was not the case - many law firms were recruiting almost 50% law and 50% non-law students. Law firms appreciated that studying a non-law degree provides a different perspective and a transferable skillset.

For those who wish to pursue the training contract route but have not undertaken a law degree, my advice is to demonstrate during the application process the transferable skills you have developed and why being a non-law student doesn't disadvantage you, but rather makes you a good fit for the firm.

Why did you choose to train with WBD?

WBD is a competitive, forward-thinking and international firm. Training at WBD provides the opportunity to work on a range of interesting and complex legal matters with a variety of clients, including some of the largest businesses in the UK, government organisations and wealthy individuals. Trainees are given responsibility, receive high quality training and with an emphasis on innovation, have access to cutting edge legal technology. As a full service firm operating in key sectors, including energy, finance and private wealth, trainees are given a breadth of experience.

While the above were all important, what set WBD apart from other firms, and ultimately made me choose to train with them, was the culture and the people. Throughout the application and interview process, what stood out to me was the supportive, welcoming and approachable culture, that I continue to experience today. It was evident during the application process that WBD was a collegiate and progressive workplace that cared about its employees.

As a responsible business, with a focus on sustainability, diversity and inclusion and wellbeing, the firm's values also aligned with mine. Testament to that is that since joining WBD I've had the opportunity to refresh my Mental Health First Aider qualification, engage in social mobility initiatives and use my volunteering days to give back to the local community.

What does a typical day as a trainee at WBD look like?

Without sounding cliché, there is no typical day as a trainee. There are some tasks a trainee solicitor will undertake most days - for example, reading and sending emails, attending calls and checking on relevant legal updates. However, on the whole, what a day may look like depends on what team you're in, what they are working on at any given time and partially, on what you've expressed an interest in.

Some typical trainee tasks include:

  • conducting legal research
  • drafting a range of agreements and documents
  • attending meetings, including client calls and internal meetings
  • completing due diligence work
  • assisting with articles on current legal and commercial matters
  • preparing bundles
  • attending training sessions
  • being involved in wider firm activities, e.g. volunteering, organising social events, networking, etc.

What advice can you give to other aspiring solicitors?

For an aspiring solicitors undergoing the training contract application process, my advice is to make sure you take the time to research a firm and work out whether it really is the firm for you or not.

Once you've established if it is or not, take time and tailor your application. Whoever is reading your application will be far more impressed by an application that demonstrates why you are a suitable fit for that particular firm, as opposed to a general blanket application. Remember to also demonstrate that you are commercially aware, as law firms do not operate in a vacuum and your potential employer needs to know that you understand that.

If you've secured a training contract, take every opportunity where you can - show a willingness to engage, maintain a positive attitude and be as inquisitive as you can. This applies to both your work and wider activities, such as volunteering, networking and social events.

This attitude will stand you in good stead to learn and to develop a good network around the firm. Lastly, be personable, respectful to those around you and most importantly, be yourself.

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