Year graduated from SOAS
2006
Programme studied
LLB Law
Current job title and name of organisation
Trainee Solicitor, Addleshaw Goddard
About me
I'm a first seat trainee at Addleshaw Goddard in the Infrastructure, Projects and Energy department. My work involves legal research, amending and drafting agreements and correspondence, proof-reading, meeting with clients and assisting with my department's business development. Additionally, staying abreast of training sessions, current market issues and what's going on in the firm all help.
How I found Addleshaw Goddard
Filtering and scouring such directories as www.lawcareers.net is a starting point to finding potential firms that you may "fit" with. I strongly recommend attending as many open days and campus events as you can. This will better equip you to compare different firms and decide whether to apply. As a top 20 firm, I was already familiar with Addleshaw Goddard because of its market reputation, enviable FTSE 100 and 350 client base and obvious ambition to grow. The more I researched and learnt about Addleshaw Goddard, the stronger my conviction that it was the training environment for me, moreover, somewhere I envisaged building my career.
How did I get here?
I had a fairly typical entry route into securing my training contract here at Addleshaw Goddard. After completing an online application form, I attended an Assessment Centre involving various group and individual exercises and interviews. I then undertook a two-week vacation placement which is essentially an ongoing interview - think of it as your chance to ask the questions, get to know the firm a little better and showcase your talents with the trainee level work that you will be involved in.
The magic formula
I don’t believe there is an Addleshaw Goddard type. In fact the diversity of skill sets, backgrounds and experiences amongst the team was one of my many reasons for choosing the firm. However, there are a few characteristics that are important to display during the assessment process; accuracy, efficiency and clean presentation for all assignments you are given, being a team player, enthusiastic and demonstrating your knowledge of how the firm differs from its competitors.
The SOAS effect
Studying at SOAS undoubtedly shaped my outlook on what I wanted from my career and what I had to offer to future employers. The uniquely international and activist nature of study at SOAS as well as comparative edge to even the most black letter law modules influenced my choice of practicing Commercial Law – itself affected by economics, politics and technology. Although the JCR may seem a world apart from City law, SOAS gave me a fantastically rounded background for it.
My Tips
If you're considering a career as a solicitor my top tips are:
- Do your research. This sounds obvious, but with the overwhelming plethora of firms out there, making out the difference between them can be hazy at first. The more you know about a firm,
the better placed you are to decide if it is for you. - Don't give up. Whether you reach the first round, final round or don't even make it that far, rejection letters are inevitably part of the application process. Learn from
your mistakes and keep going. - Prepare, prepare and prepare. Be it an application form or vacation placement, prepare comprehensively to give yourself the best possible chance of success.
Finally, good luck!
