Thames Valley focus – Grad recruitment

Training contract application

Thinking back to when I applied for training contracts, I remember this time of year was particularly stressful as application periods were drawing to a close.

One of the best pieces of advice I received was to spend time thinking about what I wanted from a training contract, what my strongest attributes were and which type of firm I could see myself working at in the longer term. I then targeted approximately five or six firms, which appeared to have the training, ethos and range of work that I was genuinely interested in and value. It was through this approach that I found Blake Morgan.

Being able to express why I wanted to be a solicitor and commence my career at this particular firm was key to the initial application form. This is why working out your strengths and personality traits, as well as what you would value most from a training contract, in advance of making any applications makes a huge difference. Competency questions were also a large part of the application form, giving you the opportunity to evidence the skills and attributes Blake Morgan are looking for.

After the online tests that followed, I was invited to an assessment centre with fellow applicants and then a panel interview with two partners and a member of HR. I was made to feel very welcome and comfortable during both these stages as everyone was very encouraging, which really confirmed for me that I had applied to the right firm.

The discussions were focused upon me as a person, my attitude towards work and how my attributes relate to the firm. To echo my earlier comments, be aware of what you can offer and use that throughout the application process. My trainee cohort had a real mix of personalities, backgrounds and interests, which demonstrates that Blake Morgan value you as an individual.

Upon finding out you have secured a training contract, Blake Morgan then allocate you a ‘buddy’ who are in the process of completing their own training contract. A year later, there is also a ‘getting to know you’ event where you are introduced to your cohort and your personal buddy.

My experience as a trainee

As a Thames Valley trainee, you can be placed in either the Oxford or Reading offices.

My first seat was with the Professional Regulatory team in Reading where I was predominantly involved in conducting fitness to practice investigations for various healthcare regulators. This provided excellent exposure to clients and witnesses, with whom I had direct contact on a regular basis. I was given a high level of responsibility, which later extended to managing my own cases.

At the time of writing, I am completing my second seat in the Oxford Commercial Litigation team. I have been involved in a wide range of work including contractual disputes, corporate disputes and contentious probate matters. I have also had the opportunity to research and write various articles relating to the impact of COVID-19 upon areas of our practice, and assist with the organisation of a firm-wide webinar. The work is incredibly varied, and of a very high quality.

The level of supervision throughout has been great, both from my official ‘supervisors’ for each seat and all other solicitors within the teams. I have received regular feedback and have had the opportunity to work directly with solicitors at varying stages of their career, from newly qualified to partner level, which has been fantastic for development.

Best of luck with your applications!

Abbie went on to qualify into our Commercial Litigation team in September 2021. You can find her on LinkedIn for more trainee and newly qualified content. Please feel free to contact Abbie if you have any questions.