Trainee Testimonials | Rebecca Galloway
Rebecca Galloway
I always knew that the Media and Entertainment Industry was where I wanted to work and Harbottle & Lewis has not failed to live up to my expectations. Harbottle & Lewis encapsulates everything that I sought in a media firm in terms of the vibrancy of the firm, the open and friendly environment and genuine enthusiasm of people who are passionate about what they do. An impressive client list coupled with the sheer variety of work on offer cannot fail to impress even the most discerning of trainees!
Harbottle & Lewis actively promotes diversity in the firm which is certainly reflected in the pool of trainees. My fellow trainees come from a variety of academic and employment backgrounds and I am testament to the firm’s open-minded approach to recruitment. I am anything but fresh out of Law School, some might say even ‘mature’, and my route into Law has been far from conventional.
The distinct advantage of training at a firm the size of Harbottle & Lewis, is the level of involvement and early responsibility you are given from the outset. My first seat was in the Tax, Private Client and Family departments which provided me with a wide range of experiences.
In Private Client I had the opportunity to draft a variety of documents, including wills and Lasting Powers of Attorneys. I was fortunate enough to be given a small number of files to manage with the support and encouragement of my supervisors. I had a great deal of client contact and attended a number of client meetings with Senior Associates and Partners alike. Family work enabled me to put my advocacy skills into practice when I had to appear before a District Judge. The more contentious aspects of Family law provided me with the opportunity of drafting instructions to counsel as well as getting involved in the preparation for a leading case that was heard in the Royal Courts of Justice.
Due, in part, to the comparatively small intake of trainees, you are valued as an individual from the very beginning of your training contract and are made to feel a part of the firm. You are encouraged from an early stage to contribute and use your own initiative when tackling problems. Furthermore, the size of the firm and, not to mention, the free lunches all help you to get to know people very quickly.
On-going training is a significant component of the training contract and is facilitated by regular internal seminars and external speakers who present on a variety of industry-related topics. During my Tax seat, I attended a number of external seminars led by various distinguished practitioners. These not only increased my technical knowledge but also enabled me to network with other solicitors and barristers. Your personal development is also monitored over the two years by means of regular appraisals. If you are seeking a varied and challenging training contract in a dynamic, media environment then Harbottle & Lewis is the firm for you.