Ashfords Solicitors - Past Trainees Views

TOM BIDDICK, Solicitor
Trusts & Estates
Trained: 2005 - 2007

"Having been brought up in Cornwall and studied at Exeter University, I was always looking to work in the South West. I was drawn to Ashfords because of its reputation in the region and the impressive and diverse client base. A vacation placement at the Plymouth office in the summer of 2003 gave me an excellent introduction to the firm and I was pleased to be offered a trainee contract shortly after.

Ashfords offer a top quality training program and will always do their best to accommodate each trainee in the seats they want. After spending my first two seats in the Plymouth office I expressed a wish to work in the Private Client department and was able to move to the Exeter office to do this.

Throughout my training contract I have been given extra responsibility as and when I could cope with it and have received first-rate support from all levels of staff. Ashfords has continued to expand in my 2 years here further cementing its reputation as a regional heavyweight and I am very much looking forward to qualifying into of such an ambitious firm."

BRIAN FARRELL, Solicitor
Corporate & Commercial
Trained: 2005 - 2007

"After five years in London's banking sector I moved to the South West to enjoy the quality of life afforded by being in such an amazing part of the country. Joining Ashfords meant I did not have to compromise between a high quality of work and a high quality of life. Ashfords offers excellent training and supervision from first class lawyers across a variety of legal disciplines, along with an ambitious yet friendly environment to work in. These factors, among others, attract a high quality of both legal and support staff which continue to see that the firm goes from strength to strength."

MARTIN HILL, Solicitor
Construction
Trained: 2005 - 2007

"I studied law as a mature student and I wished to relocate back to the South West after finishing my LLB. I made Bevan Ashford (as it was then) my number one choice due to their positive attitude towards mature students and the wide range of training opportunities available. From my first week as a trainee in the Insolvency department I was made to feel part of the team and undertook interesting and varied work."

SUE APPS, Solicitor
Employment
Trained: 2005 - 2007

I came to law as a second career following a career in the performing arts. During my work experience with Ashfords prior to my formal application for a training contract, I quickly realised that people from varied backgrounds, many on their second career, were welcomed into the firm and the individual skills that they brought were valued and utilised. This, along with Ashfords' regional, national and international reputation, and the wonderful location attracted me to Ashfords and made it my number one choice for training.

Another feature which sets Ashfords apart from other top commercial firms, is its high quality private client work. When I was making a career defining choice at the end of only the second year of my law degree, without really knowing at that point what specialism I may have wished to follow, it was comforting to know that I wasn't cutting off all of my options so early on by going to a purely commercial firm.

Since starting my training contract, I have enjoyed a wide variety of work and have felt a valued member of every team I have been in. Even in Exeter, Ashfords' largest office, I never felt like "just a number"! Having now spent time in both Ashfords' largest and smallest offices, I have found that the firm's friendly atmosphere carries throughout, with plenty of friendly banter between everyone - trainees and partners alike - accompanying the high quality work which is carried out in each office. It is a credit to the firm that every trainee in my year will be remaining with the firm on qualification.

LUKE DE HAAN, Solicitor
Construction
Trained: 2002 - 2004

I joined Ashfords because it is a nationally recognised firm which is expanding fast. It had the reputation for allowing you the responsibility you can cope with, in an environment where you don't feel awkward asking as many questions as you want. The West Country is a beautiful part of the world, which was also a major pulling factor

PETER BARTON, Partner
Tax, Trust & Probate
Trained: 1997 - 1999

I enjoyed the high level of responsibility given to trainees early on in my training. We were allowed to see clients and had many of our own files. Many of my friends working in other firms spent their training photocopying or paginating trial bundles. We were trusted to manage files under the supervision of a Partner who was always willing to take the time to explain anything you did not understand or were not sure about."

CLAIRE TOFTS, Associate
Commercial Property
Trained: 2000 - 2002

I wanted to experience a wide variety of departments and work in an office small enough to know most people, while benefiting from the resources and opportunities of a large firm. It was also important to me to be in the west country and Ashfords is the largest firm in the region. I enjoy being a valued member of the departments I have worked in and the partners are friendly and approachable. I also love living so near the countryside and walking to and from work.

CHARLES PALLOT, Partner
Employment, Pensions & Incentives Department
Trained: 1989-1991

Ashfords was the obvious choice for me when I was looking for a training contract, in terms of the range of the firm's clients, its size and the location.

The most exciting thing about the firm is that it has grown considerably over the past 12 years, both in terms of the clients for whom we work, and its position in the market place.

Many of my friends who have worked for several different law firms wonder why I have stayed with the same firm throughout my career. The answer is simple: It has provided me with a stimulating and challenging working environment throughout my time with the firm, and I have had no need to look elsewhere for job satisfaction

LOUISE BAILEY, Solicitor
Commercial Litigation
Trained: 2003 - 2005

Ashfords was my first choice when it came to applying for training contracts and I was ecstatic to be offered a place with the firm. Strangely enough I knew it was the place for me right from interview stage! I was initially attracted by the firm's dominance of the regional market but now that I'm here I can see that the firm amounts to much more than that. If you want to be seen as an individual rather than just a 'trainee' then this is the place to come. I've received tremendous help and support from my supervisors and the other staff here and can really see that this is somewhere I'd like to create a career for myself.

KIRSTEN MARLE, Solicitor
Corporate & Commercial Department
Trained: 2003 - 2005

Having already worked with Ashfords for 2 years as a paralegal, I knew that it was the firm I wanted to train with. Having seen the firm's expansion during those couple of years alone, and its plans for the future, it was evident that it was the most successful and fastest growing firm in the South West.

As a Trainee I have continued to be impressed by the firm's professionalism, standards and ambition. Ashfords offers a stimulating and comprehensive training programme within a friendly and team-orientated atmosphere. I have quickly felt a valued member of the departments I have sat with and have been trusted with challenging and important tasks, but at the same time have felt supported by the on hand help and advice of both Partners and Fee Earners.

SUE PALMER, Solicitor
Personal Injury
Trained: 2002-2003

I joined as a Paralegal in 1999, (my second career). I had previously worked in timber and shipping trades for 10 years. I already had a law degree when I joined but was encouraged to study part time for LPC at University of West of England whilst working as a Paralegal. I received tremendous support from colleagues at all levels in the firm (including working part time for last 6 months of LPC).

I did one year training contract (2002/2003) as my time as Paralegal entitled me to 12 months off. I had as much responsibility as I wanted - e.g. appearing before District Judges in County Court, handling own case load, meeting clients on own & attending marketing events. I have now qualified into Personal Injury department dealing with wide range of cases.

Social events are to be recommended e.g. summer and Christmas parties and litigation weekends All staff including partners are completely approachable. The friendliest place I have ever worked. I can't imagine wanting to work anywhere else.

CATHERINE ROWE, Solicitor
Commercial Property
Trained: 2004 - 2006

I wanted to join an ambitious firm in the South-West, where staff are friendly and down-to-earth. Ashfords seemed to be the obvious choice! I have been with the firm for 6 months and I have not been disappointed. I have found the level of responsibility challenging, whilst always feeling fully supported by my supervisor and other members of the team. Outside of work Ashfords has encouraged me to join the Young Somerset Lawyers Group and the Taunton Young Business Club. This has been a excellent way to meet trainees from other firms at relaxed and fun social events. At Christmas the trainees helped to organise the Christmas party and provide entertainment, which was great fun.

RATHIKA CHINNADURAI, Assistant Solicitor
Employment
Trained: 2004 - 2006

Having done a vacation placement with the firm I found the people to be extremely friendly yet still have ambition, which comes with being part of the biggest regional firm. I really like the fact that each of the offices has a different character and that you are given the opportunity to experience a wide range of seats. I have been given plenty of responsibility but I know that if I do have a problem I can always ask anyone for help. The fact that everyone is so approachable makes the atmosphere very relaxed, making work enjoyable.