Some of our trainees and newly qualified solicitors share their experience of the training contract application process and what it is like being a trainee solicitor at Dickinson Dees.What is the best advice to give to someone applying for a training contract at Dickinson Dees?"As a first seat trainee who has made it through the recruitment process, the best piece of advice I can give is just be yourself through the process, especially in interviews. There is a friendly atmosphere, and things aren't designed to catch you out so just make the most of the experience and enjoy it as best you can!"Francesca Foreman, 1st year trainee (Oxford University, French) - Seats: Corporate Recovery "Do your research! Know the firm, the deals the firm is currently involved in and the types of clients that the firm works with. Ask questions and show an interest in finding out more about the firm beyond the information on the website. Demonstrate how you show the skills required using concrete examples of your past experiences, whether this is in your previous employment or in an academic environment."Laura Clark, 1st year trainee (York University, English Language and Linguistics) - Seats: Corporate What can I do to prepare for a work placement week if I am shortlisted?"The best advice that I can give to anyone before they attend a work placement is to prepare. I made extensive and repeated visits to my University's careers centre. Whether it was attending workshops on such varied topics as networking and teambuilding skills or to do a practice interview, it all helps. It's also a good idea to attend law fairs. This way you can meet some of the recruitment team and current trainees and learn more about the firm."Victoria Smith, 1st year trainee (Leeds University, French) - Seats: Business Tax What did you think of the work placement week? "Very valuable and enjoyable. It gives you a chance to see what life is like for a trainee and also gives you an idea of the atmosphere within the firm. Also, a week is long enough for you to show your abilities and your personality rather than relying on a pressure-filled hour-long interview slot." Nicholas Younger, 2nd year trainee (Leeds University, Law) - Seats: Property Litigation, Agriculture, Corporate Recovery "I had a fantastic week on the work placement week: it was the perfect chance for me to experience what it would be like to be a trainee at Dickinson Dees and also for the firm to assess my capabilities. I would advise anyone who wants to apply for a training contract to try and get a place on the vac scheme. It's the best way to get to know people at the firm and show them what you can do."Alice Story, 1st year trainee (Edinburgh University, French and Italian) - Seats: Corporate OUR TRAINEESFROM DAY ONE, WE WILL EXPECT AND ENCOURAGE YOU TO CONTRIBUTE TO OUR BUSINESS. YOUR OPINIONS WILL BE SOUGHT AND LISTENED TO.8

What is it like working for Dickinson Dees?"Dickinson Dees is full of hard working, committed people, that goes without saying, but it's clear that they know how to have fun! It's great to be surrounded by like minded colleagues in a relaxed yet professional environment."Carly Jackson, 2nd year trainee (Durham University, Law) - Seats: Property, Employment, Corporate What kind of work will I get involved with as a trainee? "I have always been given a wide variety of tasks. The fee earners I have worked with have always been quick to trust me with high quality work and are always happy to spend time going through things with me. So far, my training contract has been an excellent learning experience. The hours are a lot better than if you worked in London, and when you do stay late and start early your commitment is recognised and appreciated." Katie Below, 2nd year trainee (Cambridge University, Law) - Seats: Commercial Disputes, Private Capital, Commercial Have you had much client contact as a trainee?"In my seat with the Public Services Team, I had the opportunity to attend deal closes in London and Bristol. For the close in Bristol, we spent three days in a meeting room with our clients so it was an ideal chance to develop my client facing skills and my understanding of the negotiations that go on as deals are being finalised." Claire Moore, 2nd year trainee (Cambridge University, Law) - Seats: Probate, Pensions, Public Services "As is common in many seats at Dickinson Dees, I have had extensive experience of dealing with clients, be it via email, over the telephone or face to face in client meetings. It is great to be able to meet the people for whom you are doing the work, and establish and build relationships with them. In my last seat, I was seconded to a client for six months, and found the experience to be invaluable. I was part of a great team and was given a great deal of responsibility in running my own matters. It provided me with the opportunity to really get to know the client and their business, as well as proving incredibly helpful in my own professional development."Ben Thorp, 2nd year trainee (Newcastle University, English Language and Literature) - Seats: Property, Client Secondment, Commercial Disputes Are there opportunities to develop my networking skills?"The firm prides itself on the range of seminars and workshops which it offers to clients and potential clients. In some departments these happen monthly, and trainees are expected to attend and to network with clients. In addition there are also a number of young professionals events, which allow trainees to develop relationships with local accountants, bankers and other lawyers. The firm also provides networking training courses to anyone who would like them."Mark Ashton, NQ Charities team (Durham University, Archaeology) What is the best advice to give someone starting their training contract at Dickinson Dees?"Try to get involved in as many business development and social events as possible as it helps you to get to know people around the firm so that when you move seats there is always a familiar face!"Sarah Wilson, NQ Commercial team (Northumbria University, Law)9