If you’re considering applying or would like to apply for a training contract at Bendles, read on to discover how one of our current trainee solicitors, Katie, is finding the process as well as receiving some words of advice from Jack, a newly qualified solicitor…
Meet Katie Brown, Trainee Solicitor
Katie Brown joined the Bendles team in 2023; beginning her training contract in 2024. She is completing her solicitor apprenticeship via a 35-month route, due to not having a law degree. Katie is currently enjoying a Private client seat in our Carlisle office.
1. What attracted you to apply for a training contact with Bendles?
Pursuing a non-traditional path into the legal profession gave me a unique perspective, which I was excited to bring into practice. Through hard work and dedication, I was able to prove my abilities and prepare myself for my new journey of becoming a trainee and the firm provided me with the support and opportunities to pursue that.
2. What has surprised you the most so far?
While I expected a professional and structured environment I was pleasantly surprised by how approachable and supportive everyone has been. I’m enjoying my training so far, especially since beginning my first seat in the Private Client department.
3. Who has helped you settle into office life or provided useful guidance with work?
My colleagues and peers have been incredibly supportive in helping me transition into my role as a trainee. My first seat has been made even better by the warm and welcoming nature of the Private Client team and Mariya Dimitrova. Mariya has been an exceptional mentor and role model, offering constant encouragement and support. She has played an essential role in helping me build my confidence and settle into my role as a trainee.
Meet Jack Hannah, newly qualified Solicitor
Jack graduated from Northumbria University in 2021 and began working for Bendles in 2021. He has spent time working in both Residential Property and Civil Litigation, before qualifying as a Solicitor in 2024.
1. What was the most interesting aspect of your training?
Being exposed to several different areas of law has helped with versatility. It also helped no ends with confidence when speaking to or seeing clients at the office. In addition it provides a good insight to the scope of the work that the firm offers, which helps with potential referrals in the future with new clients. Learning from some of the most experienced lawyers in the firm, seeing how they conduct their matters and how they handle clients has been very interesting.
2. Which part was the most challenging?
Litigation itself was very challenging, due to the broad nature of the enquiries you receive. It is very rare you will handle the same area of law on a consistent basis. Learning how to become versatile and to adapt to situations that you find yourself in when speaking to initial enquiries or advising clients was itself quite challenging.
Transition from a contentious department to a non-contentious department was quite strange and difficult in its own ways. I transitioned from clients who were often using the firm for “stress” purchases as they were involved in some form of dispute, to clients who were buying their first home, or selling their home, and so on. Getting the tone and learning to transition from the types of clients is something which I found to be surprisingly difficult.
3. What words of wisdom do you have to pass onto the new trainees at Bendles?
Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. There is a multitude of aspects which you will face during your legal career which will appear to be daunting at first, but it is always best to get it out of the way and take ownership of it. Take pride in every word in an email, letter or when you’re on the phone to clients. Getting into good habits early on in your career will stand you in good stead for your future career in law.
If you would like to speak about applying for a training contract, please contact us.
