Meet the trainee - Tilly Traill

What were you doing before you joined the firm?

I studied History at Exeter University and secured a Training Contract with Ashfords in my final year of study before converting into Law. I also worked for Technical and Development Services Group Ltd as an Assistant Development Engineer, assisting in the project management of the installation of utilities on sites across the South of England.

Why Ashfords?

When I started applying for Training Contracts I had my heart set on being part of one of London's behemoths (as a lot of people do). But further to reading up on Ashfords and attending the Assessment Day I was completely won over by the lively and exciting culture of what was clearly an ambitious and growing firm. Three seats into my Training Contract, it is yet to disappoint.

What areas of law have you worked in so far?

Before starting the Training Contract I had never worked in law so was pleased that my first seat was in Commercial Property in Taunton, as property law was something I had enjoyed studying. I assisted the team in advising businesses, local authorities and private individuals on various property development matters and leasehold arrangements. I then moved to Projects, where I enjoyed the opportunity of assisting the team in a varied range of work, gleaning experience in energy and infrastructure and banking and finance deals. I am now a month and half into my Construction seat assisting in both contentious and non-contentious work.

Most interesting case you have worked on?

I think it is quite difficult to pinpoint one. Whilst in Projects I worked on a number of unusual and interesting matters that you would not necessarily expect to have such a key legal element. Working on anaerobic digestion ("AD") projects, and the ability of the plant to feed electricity to the grid was very interesting. Construction has, so far, also thrown up some interesting cases on AD.

What has been your biggest challenge at Ashfords?

The biggest challenge for me was trying to hit the ground running in my first seat. Having not worked in a law firm before I found I had to learn the basics before I could really get going. It is also easy to overlook those aspects of working in a firm that are not specifically law related, such as the IT and other internal systems. However, these are things you pick up very quickly and become second nature.

What is your favourite thing about working at Ashfords?

The friendly culture and Bon Gout's cakes (guilty pleasure).

Tell us an interesting fact about yourself

I once sang at the O2 Stadium.

What is your aspiration?

Short term - I'd like to qualify as a Solicitor at Ashfords.