Introducing myself
My name is Edward Pitt and I started my training contract with Dawson Hart on 1 February 2024. I graduated in Law LLB from the University of Reading in 2021. I then completed the LPC alongside an MSc in Law and Business Management in 2022. My employment background prior to Dawson Hart was in e-Commerce and Marketing. In fact, barring a handful of work experience placements at various firms, Dawson Hart would be my first experience of working in a Law firm.
Recruitment Process
As I’m sure many aspiring trainees can attest to, the hunt for a training contract can be a stressful time. I had a number of interviews with several firms in the area, and a couple with City firms too. Each of these interviews was exactly what one might expect from an interview with a firm.
My interview with Jacqueline, our Managing Director at Dawson Hart, was, comparatively, a breath of fresh air. What I thought was going to be an intense 30 minute interrogation about my credibility as a candidate, ended up being a two-way conversation about my background and personal life, as well as Jacqui’s insights and anecdotes from her career. It was perhaps the most at ease I’d ever been made to feel in an interview.
First week
Despite such a pleasant recruitment process, some first day nerves were I think inevitable. But I was welcomed in, shown to my desk, and enjoyed a cup of coffee with our Practice Manager, Nicola Harding. I was introduced to everyone in the firm, was taken out for a lunch by a solicitor in our Litigation department, Stuart Long, and then began my induction. Induction for trainees at Dawson Hart is usually about 3 days. A lot of this time is spent with our office manual and carrying out necessary training as you would expect, but it also involves learning our software and speaking with some of our directors.
After this 3 day induction, I was fully integrated into the Personal Injury and Litigation department and could start working alongside some fantastic fee-earners.
Life at Dawson Hart
Part of the reason why I eventually chose a more regional firm rather than a City firm is because I had heard the regional firm will give you more responsibility from an earlier stage. Even so, I was very surprised at just how quickly I was given real legal work. After 2 weeks I had reviewed medical records, drafted instructions to counsel, drafted witness statements and attended a number of client meetings.
Being given so much responsibility so soon can sometimes be a steep learning curve and a bit stressful. During my first seat, particularly in the first couple of months as someone who had never worked at a Law firm before, I found myself quite often doubting my knowledge of a certain area of law or whether I could ever see myself as reaching the level of some of the solicitors I was working alongside. All natural insecurities for any trainee. Fortunately, at Dawson Hart, every fee-earner I’ve worked with has always given me the time of day to talk me through any concerns, answer any questions, and ensure that I am comfortable with the work I have. The firm also has the most amazing wellbeing committee as a safety net and they are constantly implementing new ideas to ensure that everyone is well-equipped to manage any work-related stress.
What I have learnt is that Dawson Hart values trainees that are enthusiastic, confident, and eager to learn. The firm knows just how good its staff are at supporting and mentoring trainees. Even trainees like myself with minimal prior experience. They offer that fantastic support, and in return ask for a trainee that is motivated and willing to give their best at all times
What the future holds
What helps to make the training at Dawson Hart so rounded is how broad the training contract is. It involves 4 seats. My first seat, in Personal Injury and Litigation, concluded at the end of September. I have since started my second seat in our Commercial Property department, and am thoroughly enjoying my work so far with new people, in a different environment and in a different area of law. I will have two remaining seats after this one in both our Private Client and Matrimonial departments, before, fingers crossed, having some conversations with Jacqueline about where I want to qualify.
Tips for Applying to Dawson Hart
- Experience at a law firm helps but is not a deal-breaker; take it from some someone who had minimal experience at a law firm before applying!
- Just because the firm is not advertising, does not mean you can’t send your CV and a cover letter. That is how I got my foot in the door. If your interest in the firm is genuine and you are a strong candidate, it is worth testing the waters whether the firm are looking for someone or not.
- Do your research! It’s important to know the firm’s values and to know why you want to apply.
- Know what you want and don’t be afraid to say it. Given the growing competition for training contracts, I think applicants are too quick to ask for paralegal work to begin with. If you want a training contract, don’t be afraid to say it! The firm will value a candidate who is clear about what they want.
Overall, I have loved my time at Dawson Hart so far and feel enormously privileged to have been given the opportunity to train here. That is thanks not only to the solicitors that I have worked closely with, but every member of staff who have all been so friendly and welcoming to me. It is a training contract not without its challenges, but, with the support I have around me, I could not have asked for a better start to my legal career.