Training, Development and Support

At Ashfords, we focus on your development as a Trainee throughout your Training Contract. We want to develop commercially-focused and well-rounded Solicitors who will contribute to the future success of Ashfords after they qualify. 

Developing your creative thinking and commercial awareness during your Training Contract is an important way of achieving this.

Induction Programme

You start your Training Contract with an extensive programme of induction activities, including:

• Information about Ashfords and the people you are likely to meet during your Training Contract;
• Skills you will need at work;
• Training in the office systems we use; and
• Guidance about how we work with our clients.

What did you do in the Induction Week?

"I was particularly nervous about my first week; however, my nerves were soon settled by the supportive environment created by the induction team. During the induction I was introduced to key personnel, taught how to operate the various software packages and participated in a very light hearted 'how to answer the telephone' exercise. I know it sounds simple, but trust me when I say this - you will be thankful for the training when you receive that first telephone call in your department. All through the induction week, I was made to feel that I was able to ask as many questions as I like without having the fear of sounding silly. My best piece of the advice for the induction week is to relax, listen hard and enjoy it."

Christian Beviss, Trainee Solicitor

Ongoing Training

You will continue your development as a Trainee by taking part in a number of in-house courses and activities throughout your Training Contract, covering a range of the skills we expect our lawyers to have.

You will also be involved in departmental training sessions thoughout your Training Contract..


What skills have you developed in your Training Contract?

"I have developed the following skills over the course of my Training Contract so far: managing expectations, not just those of clients but of colleagues as well - trying to deliver to high pressure deadlines but still delivering quality - juggling about five different tasks at once yet focusing on each one individually. It's true there is a work-life balance but it's important to get stuck in outside of work too with anything run by Ashfords or other junior lawyers. Managing to fit in anything extra-curricular that's going on in addition to your daily work - that is a skill to learn in itself!"

Ieuan Jones, Trainee Solicitor

The Professional Skills Course

All Trainees complete the Professional Skills Course during the first year of their Training Contract.  There are some compulsory elements, followed by some electives which relate to the work Ashfords does.

The course is classroom-based, with some home study required.

Other Support

We recognise that Trainees are a very important part of the firm, and that we need to support our Trainees to help them give their best.

We encourage all Trainees to get to know each other. Our Trainees organise an annual party for current and future Trainees. The night is always well attended and provides an opportunity for Trainees to get to know one another even before they start their Training Contracts.

Trainees also are encouraged to take forward their own initiatives, such as charity fundraisers, music events and sports teams (see the Sport and Social page).

During each seat in your Training Contract, you will be assigned a Mentor, and you will also go to regular Trainee Meetings, where we discuss various issues with you, and you can have your say as well.

You will also have regular reviews of your performance, which will help to check that we are providing you with as much experience as possible of the types of work carried out by the departments you are working in.


What support have you received during your Training Contract?

"The Trainee Appraisals we have after our first month as a Trainee, and then after the third and sixth months in each department, have been a very useful way to obtain feedback on my progress and ask general questions about my career options.  The bi-annual Trainee Meetings are also a good opportunity for Trainees to highlight areas in which we feel we would like further involvement or resources. Above all, I have found that all of the Trainees offer a lot of support to one another.  It has been really useful to speak to others who have had similar experiences or who have also spent time in your department."

Stephanie Gillam, Trainee Solicitor