Newly qualified Solicitor Tim Whitney, relates his experience as a Barlow Robbins LLP trainee

I agree with the comments made by this year’s trainees. I found my Training Contract with Barlow Robbins LLP both enjoyable and rewarding and I was delighted to be offered a newly qualified position in the Family Department in September 2010.

Throughout all my seats as a Trainee (Commercial Property, Intellectual Property & Technology, Family, and Company Commercial) I was encouraged by my Supervising Partner to think, work and act like a qualified solicitor right from the start. Although this was intimidating at times, there is always the “safety net” of knowing your work will be checked before it is sent out. This high level of responsibility and independence as a Trainee has made the transition from Trainee to Newly Qualified Solicitor easier.

Upon qualification I moved to the Quarry Street Office and within the first few weeks I was running my own files, meeting with clients and attending Court hearings. I am now almost 6 months qualified and I have a varied case load covering most areas of Family Law, including divorce and ancillary relief, cohabitation disputes, and disputes over children. My day to day work is a great balance of working on my own files and assisting colleagues with their matters.

The Firm’s commitment to training does not end when you qualify and I have been on numerous training courses and seminars since September. The Firm also actively encourages membership to relevant committees and professional groups and involvement in pro bono activities. I currently sit on the committee of Young Surrey Resolution, mentor students from the College of Law and advise at the Evening Advice Surgery at the Surrey Law Centre.

The biggest challenge on qualification is dealing with the loss of the word “Trainee” before your name, and the responsibility and accountability that ensues. That said, the high quality training and experience I gained throughout the two years of my Training Contract has provided an invaluable foundation for dealing with this progression. The support from Partners and colleagues has continued and their doors are always open to answer my never-ending list of questions as new issues arise.