‘Researching the firms
you apply to will help you at interview and also help you decide if  they are
right for you'



Name:   Charlotte Nutting
Age:   23
Lives:  Shrewsbury
At weekends:   Going to the gym, cinema, socialising with friends
Graduated from:   Manchester Metropolitan
Began training contract:   October 2007
Qualifies:   October 2009

Why did you apply to Hatchers for a training contract?

I wanted to remain in Shrewsbury without having to sacrifice the quality of work on offer to me. Hatchers are renowned for being one of the best law firms in Shropshire and I will be able to gain a variety of experience before I decide on a specialisation.

Explain the application process…

I carried out work experience at Hatchers while I was in my second year at university and really enjoyed working here. I sent my CV with covering letter to the practice manager and was then sent an application form. I was interviewed by Hatchers’ managing partner, Patrick Gittins, and the firm’s operations director. Thankfully just two days’ later I heard that I had been successful.

I was offered the opportunity to start working for the firm in advance of my training contract, which begins in October 2007, so since June I have been employed as a litigation executive in the commercial litigation team. Once my training contract kicks in my first seat will be in commercial litigation.

What do you hope for from your Hatchers training contract?

Really, a depth of experience in four different areas of the law which will hopefully form an excellent basis for my career as a solicitor. As time progresses I would hope to be given more responsibility and become a valued member of each team I work in.

Is there any area of the law you want to specialise in?

There are areas of the law that I have a keen interest in but there are also areas I have never touched on before. I want to gain as much experience as possible throughout my training contract and base my decision on that.

What advice would you give to anyone trying to secure a training contract?

First decide where you want to carry out your training. Second, decide whether you want to work for a specialist firm or a firm that practices in all the key legal areas. Carrying out work experience is an excellent way to help you make this decision.

When making your application take your time over the forms and make sure you research the firm thoroughly. Not only will this will give you lots of information to help you in the interview but it will also help you to decide whether the firm is right for you.