Current Trainee Case Studies

Alex McLeod

Why did you choose a career in law?

Positive impact and value. I can do important work which utilises my strengths and make a real difference. It is also important to me that I am part of a team as this is where I do my best work. I have always been drawn to the practical side of being a lawyer - problem solving, creativity, teamwork and getting to wear suits, of course.

Law allows you to explore different areas which expand your knowledge and help you become more well-rounded before choosing a specialism. I love the idea of getting a taste of everything so I can then make an informed decision.

What attracted you to Hughes Paddison?

I was looking for a firm that was the right size and had the right ‘feel’. Indeed, Hughes Paddison is big enough to have a variety of legal departments, essentially being able to deal with everything in-house as a ‘one stop shop’. Equally, it is small enough that you still feel part of a team – valued and included.

I initially applied to Hughes Paddison because it looked like a welcoming and supportive firm. This was then confirmed to me instantly from my first interview. During the Assessment Centre they also give you a chance to meet everyone at the firm over lunch which further accentuates this – they all want to get to know you. It was clear that this was the firm I wanted to entrust my training and development to, and my intuition has been proven right so far!

What have your enjoyed most in your training so far?

I’m still very early on in my training contract, but the new challenges you face every day and constant opportunities to learn is very stimulating.

Specifically, I enjoy the legal research, especially because residential property is not an area of law I am particularly familiar with so there is plenty to learn.

What piece of advice would you give to a prospective trainee?

With regards to the initial application:

Just apply. The firm love individuality and value honesty. I hadn’t had a wealth of experience when I applied initially, and I was living in London – having never even visited Cheltenham before. As hard as it may be, try to demonstrate who you are as well as the achievements on your CV.

With regards to the training itself:

Be willing to learn. Show adaptability and resilience. You’re not the finished product yet; no one is. Ultimately, if the firm offer you a training contract, they are offering to train you. Take an open-minded approach to different areas of law – theory is very different to the law in practice, and you can develop useful, transferable skills from all areas of law, even if you think you know what department you want to qualify into.

How would you describe the culture at Hughes Paddison?

As I’ve already touched upon above, the culture is one of inclusivity and embraces individuality. It is supportive and positive, and an integral part of the firm. The firm has a great social committee too.

Victoria Hamplett

Why did you choose a career in law?

When I was at school my favourite subjects were English Literature and History, so my teachers suggested that career in law might be a good fit for me. I obtained some work experience at a local law firm in Staffordshire and was inspired by the way the legal professionals used their knowledge to help others. After that experience I was driven to pursue a career in the legal sphere and went on to study law at the University of Exeter and then the LPC LLM at the University of Law in Bristol. Whilst I was studying my undergraduate and masters degrees, I really enjoyed getting involved in pro-bono and volunteering opportunities which I would highly recommend to any aspiring lawyer. 

What attracted you to Hughes Paddison?

I was drawn to Hughes Paddison due to their expertise and strong reputation in family law. I was impressed that the firm has one of the largest family law departments in Gloucestershire, with decades of experience helping individuals and families deal with a wide range of issues. As family law is an area of law which I have a particular interest in, the firm stood out as an ideal place to further explore whether I would like to pursue a career in family law on qualification. I also liked that each department is partner-led which enables junior members of the team to learn from and work closely with highly experienced professionals.

What have your enjoyed most in your training so far?

My first seat is split between the Corporate and Commercial Department and the Commercial Property Department. This has enabled me to continue to enhance my pre-existing Commercial Property knowledge alongside developing those skills in Corporate and Commercial law. I particularly enjoyed researching and drafting an advice letter on the effect of restrictive covenants in an employment contract and a share purchase agreement.

What piece of advice would you give to a prospective trainee?

The main purpose of a training contract is to develop the fundamental skills you will need to become a solicitor which you will then have for the rest of your legal career. Therefore, my advice would be to approach each task as a fantastic learning opportunity whether that be drafting email to the other side’s solicitor or taking part in a client meeting. This will help you to reflect on what you did well or pinpoint areas where you can improve on next time and help you become a more well-rounded and successful solicitor.

How would you describe the culture at Hughes Paddison?

The best way I could describe the culture of the firm is friendly and supportive. From my first initial video call, the team have been so kind and welcoming which helped me to perform at my best during the application process and enabled me to settle in very quickly. What I really like about working Hughes Paddison are that people are put first whether that be its team members or clients, the firm treats everyone with kindness and respect.