York Profiles & Mentors

Laura C.

Trainee Solicitor
Happy to mentor
Happy to be contacted
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About me

Laura C.
Law
Law
Undergraduate
2011
United Kingdom

My employment

Trainee Solicitor
DWF
Legal services
2013

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A day in the life of a Trainee Solicitor in

How I found out about the job

Training Contract Handbook & word of mouth

The recruitment process

I applied directly to the firm online following graduation in July 2011 for a training contract commencing in September 2013 in the Leeds office.

During August 2011 I was invited to an interview at the Leeds office with a member of the Human Resources team and a partner of the firm. The interview lasted approximately one hour. Areas discussed included my background, personal and legal interests, work experience and my knowledge of the firm, especially in relation to my attraction to the firm.

Subsequently I was invited to a half-day assessment centre in Manchester. The afternoon consisted of a group discussion, in-tray exercise, further interview with three of the firm's partners and a presentation to a member of Human Resources and a partner with ten minutes preparation time.

The following week I was invited to meet the key partners of the firm (we were given the opportunity to ask the partners questions whilst they also questioned us) before being offered the role.

Courses taken since graduation

Legal Practice Course - College of Law, York

My advice to students considering work

Commercial awareness and knowledge of the firm applied to are crucial. Responses to online applications and interview questions must be tailored to the specific firm but you need to avoid sounding as if you have rehearsed your answers. The firm reacted well to enthusiasm and ideas for business development. Gain as much work experience as possible. This need not be restricted to formal vacation schemes; all of my work experience was undertaken for free and some came as a result of simply sending letters to local firms and asking if I would be able to attend the office etc.

My advice about working in my industry

Gain as much work experience as possible. This need not be restricted to formal vacation schemes; all of my work experience was undertaken for free and some came as a result of simply sending letters to local firms & asking if I would be able to attend the office etc.

Next steps...

If you like the look of Laura’s profile, the next steps are down to you! You can send Laura a message to find out more about their career journey.

Contact Laura

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