Meet Our Trainee: Georgia Moss

Name: Georgia Moss

Training Contract Start Date: 1^st February 2023

Current Seat: Corporate and Commercial

What is an average day as a trainee like?

My day much depends on and revolves around the fee earners I work for and assisting in the most effective way possible. This assistance can vary from responding to clients, reviewing and drafting documents, or opening new file instructions.

What do I enjoy most about my training contract at BHW Solicitors?

Every day is different! The work varies a lot in the Corporate and Commercial department and the level of client exposure is much higher than I thought would be possible for trainees. I find it really useful being involved with fee earners meetings and calls with clients – it has helped me gain a much deeper understanding of the ongoing matters and allows me to see the transaction develop right from the file opening to its completion.

What was my route to securing my training contract?

I moved down to Leicester originally to study Law with Politics at the University of Leicester. I secured my training contract in my third year at university and now study the LPC LLM part time.

I finished my LLB exams in June and started working at BHW in August 2022. I originally worked as a paralegal for 6 months in the Corporate and Commercial department before securing my training contract earlier this year.

What seats have I completed so far and what have I gained from the different departments?

I have been in the Corporate and Commercial department since arriving at BHW. I have learnt a lot in this department, coming straight from studying my LLB at University. I would say the main skills that I have developed is attention to detail, drafting skills, and how to confidently communicate with clients.

What is my top piece of advice for those trying to secure a training contract?

Be persistent and make sure you are aware of your strengths and weaknesses so that you can learn to self-evaluate on your own progress. It’s often tempting to apply for dozens of training contracts, but I would try to be more selective in your applications. Do as much research as you can on the firm and try to match firms that best match your interest and aspirations, and make sure that your knowledge on the firm is visible during applications/interviews.

Take time with the applications and try to start early to give yourself as much time as possible so that your applications do not appear rushed or reflect a lack of preparation. I started applying for training contracts during the summer of my second year at University – the experience I gained through starting applications early and undergoing assessment days definitely became advantageous to me when seriously considering law firms during my third year.

What has surprised me the most about my trainee experience so far?

How much I have learnt in the space of less than a year. Studying my LPC part time can be quite challenging at times, but being able to recall the information I have learnt in my LPC classes and learning how to put it into practise has really helped me so far. BHW have supported my part time studies which is also really invaluable. 

What advice would I give to someone who wants to apply for a training contract at BHW?

Research the firm and our culture to make sure that you feel BHW are the right fit for you – getting your training contract is the first step of the rest of your career and so it’s important that the firm is right for you, and that you are right for the firm. Ensure that your application reflects a personalised approach to BHW (for example, talk about the services the firm offers, and try to exemplify this knowledge by looking at our ‘news and insights’ section of the website). But most importantly, make sure that your application/interview reflects your true self. I think using personal examples to highlight your own set of skills is a good way to try and ensure that your application is remembered – BHW will want to know about you, not just how much research you have done on the firm.

What is the culture of the firm like?

Being an independent law firm with an open-door policy, there is a close-knit culture at BHW. When I first started as a paralegal, I had not yet started my LPC and so needed more support in understanding the basics of the Corporate and Commercial department and the work it undertakes. Many of the fee earners took time to explain things to aid my understanding of different matters. It’s clear that the Partners want trainees to have exposure to the work to allow the trainees to become well-rounded solicitors with the potential to be the future faces of the firm.

What has been the highlight of this seat/your training contract so far?

Being in my first seat, coming straight from University, I was quite apprehensive about being able to pick up the knowledge and fundamentals of how not only the department operates, but how our clients and their businesses operate. Fast forward almost 1 year later, and I feel like I have developed more than I thought I ever would.

Do you have much contact with clients?

Yes – the level of responsibility that is given to trainees at BHW has been one of the most rewarding things and something I didn’t really expect. The exposure I have been given to clients has allowed me to really develop and deepen my skills in how to communicate and interact, which is a vital skill for a solicitor. During my time in the Corporate and Commercial department I have also been on a few trips out to visit clients and their businesses, which is a real advantage to understanding the clients on a deeper level.