What led you to apply for a training contract at Wrigleys?
I was looking for an ambitious firm doing interesting work in the areas of law I found most engaging. Having worked several years in the not-for-profit sector, I was looking for firms that specialise in advising organisations in the social economy. Wrigleys stood out as a firm that provides trusted, high-quality advice to the Third Sector. As a law student, I found trusts and Equity intriguing and challenging. I was on the lookout for opportunities to explore that field in greater depth. Wrigleys gave the impression of a firm that nurtures talent, builds people up and wants to see them succeed. It was heartening to see so many past Wrigleys trainees building their careers at the firm and rising through the ranks. Wrigleys struck me as a good place to learn.
What makes Wrigleys different from other firms?
Wrigleys does really challenging, valuable work in interesting areas of the law. The atmosphere here is also palpably different. Speaking to colleagues here when I applied, I felt the firm was one that takes its work seriously but is unpretentious. This has certainly been borne out over the course of my training contract.
How much responsibility and client contact do you have as a trainee?
I have been pleasantly surprised by the degree of responsibility and client contact I have enjoyed as a trainee. Every colleague – whether a Partner or a more junior Solicitor – has been generous in involving me in their work. I have found myself attending various client meetings, both at the firm’s offices and at clients’ own premises. We are regularly encouraged to ‘find our voice’ and express ourselves as trainees. When you’re applying for training contracts across the sector, you are often warned to expect a lot of the same, ‘trainee-type’ tasks; my experience at Wrigleys has been radically different. I am regularly offered the chance to take on challenging, substantial tasks with plenty of encouragement. I could immediately see the impacts my contributions were making for clients and supporting other colleagues.
How would you sum up working at Wrigleys?
Working at Wrigleys has been a steep learning curve but one I am very grateful for. I would strongly recommend it to anyone who is passionate about the firm’s areas of specialism and can see themselves in its culture and values.
