Trainee solicitors

I am currently in my third seat as a trainee solicitor in the Contentious Construction team. My trajectory into the legal profession began with an undergraduate degree in International Relations and Development Studies from the University of Calgary, followed by an LLB from the University of Kent and the LPC LLM at the University of Law.

In my first seat, also in the Contentious Construction team, I was able to participate in a variety of matters from day one. One particularly fulfilling experience was being involved in an adjudication, a fast-paced and exciting method of dispute resolution unique to construction law. I assisted with document review, the preparation of written submissions, and communication with counsel and experts. This experience was invaluable as it introduced me to a form of dispute resolution I had not previously encountered and allowed me to contribute meaningfully to a live matter.

In my second seat, I was seconded to the legal team at a global construction business. During the secondment, I carried out numerous contract reviews on both domestic and international projects, ranging from contractor work to various consulting roles. Working directly with in-house lawyers and project teams across the business enabled me to better understand client concerns and priorities. I gained a deeper appreciation of the lifecycle of a construction project and the legal support required to achieve a successful outcome.

Being a trainee at Beale & Co is an immensely rewarding and well-rounded experience. The firm fosters a supportive culture while giving trainees real responsibility. We are encouraged to collaborate with colleagues across the firm, which helps develop both practical and interpersonal skills. Beale & Co is also highly active in its philanthropic efforts through its partnership with CRASH and offers numerous volunteering opportunities throughout the year.

I have been able to carry out meaningful work on complex matters, expand my network, and deepen my understanding of construction law through my secondment , all while feeling fully supported in my training. I have greatly valued my time at Beale & Co and look forward to the remainder of my training contract.

I am currently in my second seat as a trainee solicitor at Beale & Co in the London office. My legal journey began with a law degree at Anglia Ruskin University, followed by the LPC with a master’s at the University of Law.

Beale & Co immediately stood out to me for its track record of excellence in construction and insurance law. Having undertaken an insurance module during the LPC, I was particularly drawn to the firm’s expertise in this area. The firm’s ethos of a focused trainee intake and strong retention rate demonstrates its supportive culture, which was a key factor for me when considering where to pursue my training. 

During my first seat, I worked predominantly on professional indemnity matters, gaining exposure to high-value, complex professional negligence disputes within the construction sector. The tasks as a trainee can vary, from disclosure review to drafting a response to a letter of claim or preparing an update to insurers or attending a mediation. This keeps the work exciting and engaging as no two days are the same. 

One particularly rewarding moment during my first seat was assisting at a mediation that settled, achieving a successful outcome for the client. This gave me a real sense of fulfilment regarding the work that we do. These experiences have allowed me to develop my knowledge, and analytical and drafting skills, all while gaining confidence in my contributions. 

Life as a trainee at Beales is highly collaborative. The open-door culture encourages trainees to establish relationships across the firm, fostering a supportive and encouraging environment in which to grow. I have been able to work with colleagues from different practice areas, gaining insight into the range of disputes the firm handles, and contributing meaningfully on multiple matters. 

I am currently on an in-house secondment at a global  design and engineering company for my second seat. This has provided a valuable opportunity for me to see matters from a client perspective. This experience has strengthened my understanding of commercial decision-making, risk assessment, and client priorities, helping me to appreciate the wider legal landscape. 

Overall, my experiences so far have allowed me to develop both my technical and interpersonal skills, while deepening my understanding of the construction and insurance sectors. Although I am thoroughly enjoying being on secondment and experiencing the in-house life, I am extremely eager to get back to Beales and begin my third seat, continuing my professional development into qualification and hopefully beyond. 

I am currently in my third seat at Beale & Co, sat with the Contentious Construction team, having recently returned from a secondment with global engineering services and nuclear organisation. My training so far has been varied, hands-on and rewarding, with exposure to both private practice and in-house work.

During my secondment at the global engineering services and nuclear organisation, I worked closely with commercial directors on a range of major domestic and international projects, advising on risk allocation, strategy and the commercial implications of contractual positions. This experience gave me a clearer understanding of how clients operate, how legal advice feeds into wider business decisions, and what in-house teams prioritise from their external lawyers.

I have been involved in a range of construction disputes, including mediations from complex multi-party matters with detailed settlement arrangements to more streamlined two-party disputes. I have also been fortunate to attend trial in a professional negligence claim against an insurance broker, assisting with trial preparation, bundle management and liaising with counsel and experts, which has given me first-hand insight into the demands of trial work and the importance of clear strategy and meticulous preparation.

Alongside fee-earning work, I have written several articles on issues affecting the construction, insurance and wider built environment sectors, which has strengthened my sector knowledge and commercial awareness. I have also enjoyed supporting Beale & Co’s charity initiatives, particularly through our partnership with CRASH.

The culture at Beale & Co has been a standout feature during my training contract so far. Trainees are given real responsibility in complex matters, while working within a supportive, approachable and collaborative environment. I am looking forward to the remainder of my training and to building further on the skills and experience I have gained so far.

I have just started my second seat at Beale & Co, sat with the Construction Team. My training at Beales has been enjoyable so far, and I have gained valuable experience. The firm’s unique structure which allows me to manage my own cases while supporting other fee earners has given me hands-on responsibility in complex, high-value matters, all while progressing my own caseload. This balance not only enables me to learn from others but also gives me the freedom to develop my own style, which is actively encouraged here.

So far, I’ve had the opportunity to work on a diverse range of matters. Noteworthy experiences include court work including multiparty litigation, pre-action work defending architects and engineers, detailed contract reviews, adjudication and negotiations.

Although I am officially sat with the Construction Team, Beales’ flexible approach has allowed me to explore other areas of law, broadening my exposure and learning opportunities. One of the standout aspects of my training at Beales is the incredibly supportive culture. While each trainee has a supervising partner and a designated mentor, all partners, associates, and solicitors are approachable, fostering a collaborative atmosphere conducive to growth.

There are also numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth. In addition to internal training sessions, I regularly write financial specialty risks updates which enhance my commercial awareness. As a trainee, I also participate in business development opportunities and networking events, which encourage me to build my professional network early on in my career.

I look forward to what the remainder of my training contract will offer, as my time at Beales has been both rewarding and enriching