What attracted you to Lawrence Stephens when applying for the Training Contract?
I was impressed by the range of services the firm offer and the opportunity to gain valuable experience across these during the course of my training contract. I also felt I identified strongly with the firm’s values, particularly the focus on Lawrence Stephens as a people business.
Can you describe your experience as a Trainee Solicitor at Lawrence Stephens so far?
My time as a trainee has been an invaluable learning experience. I am just finishing my second seat now and when I look back to when I joined Lawrence Stephens less than a year ago, I can see I have learnt an incredible amount in my first two seats. This is not limited just to knowledge of the practice areas, but also transferrable skills which will help shape the lawyer I become. Working with different teams and supervisors has allowed me to benefit from the breadth of knowledge and experience they have in their practice area. It has also allowed me to be able to witness different work styles which I have been able to learn from. The regular feedback I have received from my supervisors has also assisted my development. The experience goes beyond work, with Lawrence Stephens being a firm with a vibrant social environment, which trainees are actively encouraged to become a part of. For example, I was in charge of organising our firm for the London Legal Walk, which was a fantastic opportunity to get involved and develop a different set of skills.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of your training at Lawrence Stephens?
The most rewarding part for me has been how much I have learnt in such a short amount of time, thanks to the incredible support and guidance from my supervisors and the wider firm. I feel I am constantly on an upwards trajectory with my learning and feel Lawrence Stephens provides me with all the tools to facilitate the continuation of that.
Please talk us through a ‘day in the life’ of a Lawrence Stephens Trainee?
A typical day in the office for me: I arrive in the office just before 9am. I then go to the kitchen and get a glass of water and have a brief chat with people. Once I am logged on I will open up my task list and check my inbox and plan out my work for the day. If I have any meetings I will check that I have prepared for these and have the necessary documents ready. My plan will often then be adapted as I receive more tasks throughout the day. I sit with my team so that I can easily ask questions to my supervisor and other members of the team. At lunch I go down to the communal kitchen where I socialise with my fellow trainees and other colleagues whilst I eat lunch. This time is helpful to have a break from work and catch up with people. After lunch I continue to work through my task list. Once I get towards the end of the day I update my task list and make a rough plan for what I have to do the next day.
What was your experience of the recruitment process?
I felt the recruitment process was run in a very personal way which helped put me more at ease and perform at my best. From when I stepped in to the office and was greeted warmly at reception I felt very welcome. The opportunity to come into the office for the first interview allowed me to grasp a feel for the firm and meet people in person, which I was grateful for. I felt I was given ample opportunity over the process to showcase my talents and for my personality to come across and I was able to learn a lot about the firm for myself to confirm that it was the place I wanted to train.
What is the culture like at Lawrence Stephens?
Lawrence Stephens has a very warm, welcoming culture. People are friendly, helpful and accommodating. I have been able to develop strong relationships with colleagues and look forward to coming into the office to see people. Socially, there is lots going on. We have football, Pilates, sports day, pub quiz night, run club and end of month drinks to name a few. These activities are a great opportunity to socialise with colleagues outside of the office and get to know each other better.
Oliver Corbally is a trainee solicitor in his second year, currently sitting in the Dispute Resolution team.
