Choosing where to begin your legal career is one of the most important decisions you'll make. In this series, our trainee solicitors share their experiences of life at Porter Dodson, offering practical advice, insights into the training contract journey and an honest perspective on developing a career in law.
Whether you're considering applying for a training contract, exploring paralegal opportunities or preparing for the SQE route to qualification, these first-hand stories provide valuable guidance from those who have recently been in your position.
Choosing a different route into Law
I have wanted to be a lawyer for as long as I can remember, but I also wanted to gain the transferable skills offered by a non-law degree. The option to do a non-law undergraduate degree followed by a law conversion was therefore an ideal fit. I completed an undergraduate degree in French and Philosophy and went on to complete a Master's law conversion course. Although not directly law-related, my undergraduate studies helped me develop key skills which have been useful throughout my career.
Securing a training contract with Porter Dodson was a real milestone. Throughout the recruitment process, the firm stood out because of its friendly culture and the emphasis it places on giving trainees hands-on experience. It felt like a firm where I would be encouraged to learn and get involved, which was exactly what I was looking for.
Taking Time to Build Confidence and Experience
Before starting my training contract, I took a year out to travel. It was a great opportunity to see different parts of the world before beginning my legal career. Looking back, it gave me a lot more confidence and independence, both of which helped when starting work as a trainee.
Experiencing Life as a Trainee Solicitor
I started my training contract in 2025 and have done seats in the Property Litigation, Commercial Litigation and Corporate Commercial teams. Alongside my day-to-day work, I am also studying for the SQE. Balancing both work and study has strengthened my organisation and time-management skills. It has also allowed me to apply what I am learning to real client matters.
One of the best parts of the training contract has been the variety of work. Across my seats, I have taken an active role in matters, including drafting documents, attending client meetings and supporting colleagues on more complex cases and transactions.
Developing Skills Across Different Practice Areas
My litigation seats provided particularly memorable experiences. I gained advocacy experience at County Court hearings and was involved in preparing for an international arbitration, which gave me valuable insight into the management and resolution of disputes. Moving into the Corporate Commercial team has shown me the transactional side of legal practice and how lawyers help businesses achieve their commercial objectives. Exposure to both contentious and non-contentious work has helped me develop a broad range of legal and commercial skills.
Building Connections Beyond Legal Work
Alongside the legal work, I have enjoyed the opportunities to get involved in business development and networking. From a volleyball networking event in Bournemouth to rounders and cricket events with local businesses, these experiences have been a great way to meet people both within and outside the firm.
Advice for Aspiring Trainees
For anyone considering a career in law, my advice would be to make the most of every opportunity and not worry if your route into the profession looks different from someone else's. Every experience along the way can help shape the lawyer you become.
Abbey Barnes, Solicitor Apprentice
Meet our trainees and learn more about our training contract programme on our Trainees page here.
Applications for our Solicitor Training contract 2027/28 are open now until 6th January 2027 - click here to apply
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