Trainee Partner Testimonials | Sandi Simons and Abigail Payne

Sandi Simons and Abigail Payne

As Trainee Partners we oversee the selection and development of trainees from application to qualification. It’s personally very rewarding as we are launching people's careers and we are very proud of our high rankings in The Lex 100 survey and the Chambers and Partners Students Guide. As a result of these rankings and the firm's impressive reputation, we receive a large number of trainee applications each year. We meet many highly motivated and inspired individuals and it is always a pleasure to welcome new legal talent to the firm at the end of this process.

We work closely with our Training Manager, who compiles the firm-wide training programme, as well as with the Trainee Supervisors in each seat, to ensure that our trainees receive an excellent foundation. They also benefit from the support of their own personal mentor, another lawyer usually around 2 or 3 years PQE, who is always available to provide informal guidance.

The culture at the firm is down-to-earth and friendly and, as our trainees will testify, Harbottle & Lewis is a great firm in which to be a trainee!