trainee Commercial solicitor Review

We all entered as training solicitors, analysing the daily workings and skills necessary to work in a top law firm. Our primary role was to participate in a range of group activities and workshops to improve our team building and experience real-life situations that would occur in a law firm. On the first day we got to know the other students on the programme and done a number of ice breaker activities to build better relationships between us. The next day we also started with group activities and talks, but were each individually appointed a trainee solicitor at the firm who we would shadow for a few hours to get a feel of what a solicitor would do on a normal daily basis. We did this on 3 occasions each within a completely different area in the firm so we had a depth of experience regarding different aspects of commercial law. Throughout the week we were set a group project to create our own supermarket with our company aims and details within and had to pitch it to a panel of judges at the end. We were allocated a small section of time at lunch, and any additional work we wanted to do we had to either go in early or do it at home. This caused our group to be organised and plan times to meet to get it done.

Primarily I have a first-hand experience of what is required to work in a top commercial law firm, which I feel is crucial as before going into such a challenging and prominent profession I feel it is important to know what it entails. In addition to this I learnt a wide range of social skills and communication skills, as I had to not only be with, but also work with a group of individuals I hadn't interacted with before. Also as a result of a number of activities I was able to improve my presentational skills, confidence and also gave me a much clearer view of what I need to do in future years to get into such a career.

I feel the programme was highly interactive with a wide range of both group and individual activities, all of which were beneficial. In teams we had to work together to get things done effectively and when on our own we were given professional, accurate information by experts in the field which was to ensure we know all the skills required in the future. The company itself was a lot more welcoming and friendly than I anticipated which added a lot more enjoyment to the week, whilst giving me the inspiration to work for such a firm. Overall I enjoyed the whole experience and saw it as a key eye opener when thinking of future career paths.

The manager of the course along with the colleagues she worked with were all very appreciative of the work we participated in during the week and they all applauded our efforts, whilst wishing us the best luck in the future. This direct response gave me a higher sense of possibility, maybe one day working for such a firm. In addition to this every single person we worked with, including the trainees, who were hard at work, all gave up a large amount of their time to help us with any questions or to explain things and they also gave me their email address after in case I had any further questions. Which I feel was them overstepping what they had to do and going out of their way to help us and our future.

I felt the programme was both well organised and structured, with the first day focusing on us being comfortable in teams, as we would be working together all week and therefore needed to feel comfortable with each other. In terms of training we were taught the required skills needede to complete the activities and if we had any questuions what-so-ever they were happy to help. They gave us sufficient tyime to complete each activity set whilst guiding us throughout so i felt the programme was very well organised.

Our training provider, LSE, weren't physically present during the week however both their email and telephone was open to us throughout the week in case we didn't feel comfortable or had any queries. They kept in contact making sure our experience was running smoothly which I saw as something to fall back on just in case anything went wrong.

[This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyApprenticeship Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions], who was in charge of our experience, along with [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyApprenticeship Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions]both gave us a huge amount of support throughout the week making sure we were not only understanding the activities but also got some level of excitement out of each one as well. By the end of the week they had both made real strong bonds with each of us and were clearly upset to see us go. This very caring and vital support made my experience a lot more enjoyable and put any of my queries at rest.

As we went on work experience as part of our pathways to law programme all travel costs were reimbursed. This allowed me to travel back and forth each day easily and without having to worry about costs. In terms of daily costs we were provided with lunch each day along with refreshments which was extremely generous and helpful as food in London is highly priced.

Sadly, as I am still rather young a number of the companies’ programmes and training aren't open to me until years to come. However they did recommend to attend open days and a number of talks that some of their employees are holding as they will all look extremely good on my UCAS application and will give me a wider range of experience to help me in life.

Yes

It is a top law firm with an outstanding company ethic and is very open to anyone who intends to benefit the company. There is a diverse range of people that work there who are all easy to get along with and are open to any kind of individual regardless of ability, race or beliefs.

As I didn't get into the work experience individually and gained it through the Pathways to Law programme I cannot give advice to anyone hoping to apply at Hogan Lovell’s as I didn't myself. However from the time I spent there I would say it is important to express to them your willingness to adapt to different working situations and to demonstrate good determination and organisation as they are vital in that specific line of work.