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

OUR TEAMPaul StewartGraduate Recruitment Partner and Training Principal Having trained in the City, I left London to join Dickinson Dees in 2001 and became a partner in the Commercial Disputes Group in 2006. I have been the firm's Training Principal since 2008 and took on the role of Graduate Recruitment Partner in 2010.I joined the firm because I wanted to do high quality work for excellent clients in a friendly, supportive environment. I have thoroughly enjoyed my ten years at the firm and I am keen to recruit ambitious and enthusiastic people who want to learn and develop with us. A key part of this development is ensuring that our trainees receive excellent training and supervision during the two years of their training contracts. We have therefore always placed, and will continue to place, a real emphasis on ensuring that our trainees get a chance to experience a wide variety of work and are given increasing levels of responsibility as they gain greater experience.Joanne SmallwoodGraduate Recruitment AdviserI joined Dickinson Dees in 2010. As Graduate Recruitment Adviser, I am responsible for the recruitment and selection process from application to offer. I attend law fairs during October and November along with our trainees. I also deliver presentations to university, college and secondary school students throughout the year.I am a member of the firm's Equality and Diversity team and have been appointed Employability Champion in recognition of the work I have done in raising awareness of disability issues in the workplace.When recruiting I am looking for someone who understands and shares our values. I am looking for our future leaders.WE INVOLVE VARIOUS FEE EARNERS FROM AROUND THE BUSINESS IN OUR SELECTION PROCESSES, BUT THREE PEOPLE WHO YOU WILL DEFINITELY MEET IN YOUR INTERVIEW AND/OR WORK PLACEMENT WEEK ARE:Alison HedgecockGraduate Programme AdviserI joined Dickinson Dees in 1981. I have supported trainees in one form or another since the early 90's; I have held the role of Graduate Programme Adviser since 2002.My main responsibilities are for the development of our trainee solicitors from the point of recruitment, during the two (or more) years pre-employment and through to qualification. I provide guidance to trainees on finances, sponsorship, training, induction, seat rotations and appraisals and am responsible for arranging our social events.Having been with the firm since 1981 I have seen many of our trainees grow with the firm. I can recall John Marshall, our Senior Partner, as a trainee as well as many of the other partners, directors and associates. 10