The Trainee Lowdown from Foot Anstey

Ep. 6 The Trainee Lowdown: The apprenticeship route: What it is, why it works, and what it’s like

Foot Anstey brings you the latest episode in our podcast series that gives you an insider's perspective on getting your legal career off the ground. In this episode, we look at what apprenticeships are and why they present an ideal pathway to qualifying as a lawyer.   What's in this episode? This podcast explores the world of apprenticeships. Higher education is no longer just about university. The apprenticeship route is gaining popularity, with an increasing number of legal apprenticeship programmes on offer across the industry. This episode delves into what an apprenticeship is and what makes these programmes beneficial for both individuals and businesses. As well as finding out what it is like to earn while you learn, progressing your career via an apprenticeship. Our hosts, Foot Anstey trainees Harry Jupp and Melissa Story, welcome four guests to share their knowledge and experience.  Jonathan Bourne, Managing Director and Co-owner at Damar Training and Kat Crisp, Emerging Talent and HR Projects Manager at Foot Anstey, discuss apprenticeships more generally and the benefits of these programmes. Whilst Alex Stone, Legal Operations Manager and Freya Coombs, Legacy Assistant, both former Foot Anstey apprentices, bring valuable insights to the conversation around applying for and completing an apprenticeship.

Ep. 5 The Trainee Lowdown: How to navigate the SQE

Foot Anstey brings you the latest episode in our podcast series that gives you an insider's perspective on getting your legal career off the ground. In this episode, we explore the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) – a topic that has the legal industry talking. As more aspiring solicitors are embarking on this route to qualification, we've dived into this topic to break down what it is and share advice on how to tackle it effectively.   What's in this episode Our hosts, Foot Anstey trainees Lauren Donnison and Melissa Story, welcome three insightful guests to share their knowledges and experience of the SQE. Eloise May, Trainee Solicitor, and Harry Hawkey, Paralegal are both currently on their SQE journey and they bring a valuable insight to the conversation around the actual experience of preparing for and taking the assessments. Plus, Johnathan Worrell, Business Development Director at Barbri, offers his expert perspective from a legal education provider and shares some guidance on how candidates can approach the qualification. Our hosts and guests discuss: * What the SQE is – why it was introduced and how it is structured. * The SQE1 and SQE2 assessments and how they differ. * How to prepare for your assessments. * What to expect from the exam experience. * Top tips from those that have taken the SQE. * Expert advice from an SQE prep course provider.

Ep. 4 The Trainee Lowdown: What makes a good trainee?

Foot Anstey brings you a new podcast series that gives you an insiders perspective on getting your legal career off the ground. In this episode, we explore the role of a trainee and how you can put your best foot forward.   What's in this episode? Second year Trainees Oliver Toomey and Lauren Donnison are joined by Partner, Adam McKenna and Solicitor, Lucie Wickens to discuss what makes a successful trainee and how to get the most out of your training contract. Our hosts and guests discuss: * How to prepare for and make the most of each seat * Why feedback is important and how to make the most of the guidance and advice you receive * How to approach client work as well as develop your profile * The behaviours and actions that a successful trainee can take to have a positive impact * Why to say 'yes' and get involved with activities within the wider firm

Ep. 3 The Trainee Lowdown: How do you excel at an Assessment Centre?

Foot Anstey brings you a new podcast series that gives you an insiders perspective on getting your legal career off the ground. In this episode, our experts discuss how to excel at an Assessment Centre and secure a training contract offer.   What's in this episode? Second year Trainees Oliver Toomey and Lauren Donnison are joined by Partners, Ashley Avery and Mark Li, to discuss how you can make the most of your time at an Assessment Centre. Our experts explain what an Assessment Centre is and the purpose of the day. Plus they discuss what prospective trainees can expect from the day, how to prepare, how to demonstrate commercial awareness, and what the interviewing panel are looking for in candidates. To finish, all four share some top tips for students going through this process.

Ep. 2 The Trainee Lowdown: What makes a good application?

Foot Anstey brings you a new podcast series that gives you an insiders perspective on getting your legal career off the ground. In this episode, our hosts are joined by the Foot Anstey Early Careers team who share insight on what they look for in applications and give some top tips on how to make your application shine!   What's in this episode? Second year Trainees Oliver Toomey and Lauren Donnison are joined by Jess Guard, Early Careers Manager and Chloe Stratford, Early Careers Advisor to discuss what makes an application stand out and advise on how you can make your application one to remember. They cover: * Quality vs quantity * The importance of accuracy * How to structure your answers * What commercial awareness is and how to demonstrate it * How to make your personality shine through