Kirsty Allen relates her experience as a Barlow Robbins LLP trainee
When applying for training contracts the importance of work placements is highlighted at every turn. With that in mind I undertook a variety of placements and concluded that I wanted to work for a firm which recognised individuality and where the people were friendly and down to earth. The breadth of training on offer was also of paramount importance to me. I wanted to ensure that my training contract would equip me with extensive experience in core areas and not limit my qualification opportunities. Bearing in mind that a work life balance is important, it was clear from my work placements that a mid-sized regional firm in the South East would be the place for me. Barlow Robbins LLP was the obvious choice!
I can honestly say that my experience of training at Barlow Robbins LLP has more than exceeded my expectations. I have been fully involved in each department I have worked in and always been treated as one of the team. This has meant that I have been expected to get involved with all aspects of daily work life: from property completions to round table meetings which finalised long running cases. I had to learn to manage my own workload from day one, and whilst this was daunting, I never felt out of my depth, unlike friends who are training at City firms.
In all four of my seats I have had the opportunity to accompany my supervising partners to their client meetings. Not only has this allowed me to observe different styles of client care but it has also introduced me to clients first hand and allowed them to put a face to a name! As a result, for some clients, I became their first point of contact and they expected me to deal with their query in the way a qualified solicitor would. Trainees at Barlow Robbins aren’t allowed to hide behind a pile of files; they are expected to learn to be a solicitor by getting involved with all the work on offer.
The entrepreneurial approach of the firm encourages trainees to actively participate in all aspects of the firm; from helping to host the annual client summer cocktail party, to abseiling down Lulworth Castle Tower in aid of charity. This attitude allows trainees to build their confidence and networking skills ready for qualification.
Whilst you are inevitably supported in your day to day work by your supervising partner and wider department, additional support is offered through the Mentor Scheme. The Mentor – Mentee relationship is fantastic for discussing any concerns you have. Having been through a training contract themselves, Mentors are well placed to give advice and help you plot your long-term career aspirations. Further support is provided by quarterly trainee forums which give the trainees the opportunity to informally catch up with the training Principal, Training Partner and the head of the HR Department.
Apart from being an incredibly supportive environment, Barlow Robbins LLP is a very sociable place to work. Trainees tend to organise regular nights out together and there are wider opportunities to socialise at one of the many events organised by the firm’s Social Committee.
If I had to sum up a Barlow Robbins LLP Training Contract I would say that trainees are expected to learn by doing. If you want to train at a firm which offers high quality training and welcomes your involvement in all aspects of the firm then Barlow Robbins LLP could well be the firm for you.
