Training Contracts at Trethowans: Insights from Our Trainee Solicitors
Choosing where to begin your legal career is a big decision. At Trethowans, our trainee solicitors are given early responsibility, hands-on experience and the opportunity to develop across a broad range of practice areas, supported by approachable colleagues at every level of the firm.
We spoke to three of our current trainees about their experiences so far, the work they’ve been involved in and what life undertaking a training contract at Trethowans is really like.
Ella’s training contract experience
Ella Gosling is currently completing her first seat in Corporate. Having already spent over two years at Trethowans as a paralegal during university holidays, Ella began her training contract with a strong understanding of Trethowans’ collaborative culture.
In the Corporate team, Ella’s day‑to‑day work includes drafting key documents such as share purchase agreements and buy‑back agreements, as well as attending client meetings and assisting with due diligence. Working closely with a range of colleagues across the team has allowed her to contribute to a wide variety of matters, helping to build a well‑rounded understanding of corporate law early in her career.
A particular highlight for Ella was leading a client call on due diligence just weeks into her training contract. Being trusted with that level of responsibility so early was both challenging and rewarding. Beyond legal work, Ella has also enjoyed firm-wide activities, including a team day out at Lainston House and taking part in the monthly trainee‑run charity cake bake initiative, which supports good causes and brings colleagues together across the firm.
Amy’s training contract experience
Amy Whittle chose Trethowans for her training contract because of its reputation for excellence and having previously worked at Trethowans as a Paralegal, Amy had already experienced the firm’s supportive environment first‑hand.
Amy is currently in her third seat within the Employment team. Her work includes drafting contracts and settlement agreements, preparing bundles for Employment Tribunal hearings, researching case law and legislative developments, and assisting with letters of advice and witness statements. The role demands strong organisation and attention to detail, particularly when managing multiple matters to tight deadlines.
Alongside this, Amy regularly attends client calls, supports negotiations in complex disputes and contributes to internal projects such as updating precedents and working on client alerts, including recent developments following the passing of the Employment Rights Bill. Exposure to both contentious and non‑contentious work has been central to Amy’s training, helping her build confidence and develop practical skills across different types of employment matters.
Amy is also part of the Charities Committee and helps organise trainee events, giving her the chance to contribute to the firm’s culture and support its commitment to three charities across the South. She has additionally accompanied a partner to deliver Equality Act training to businesses, which provided valuable insight into how employment law is applied in practice and strengthened her experience in client‑facing work.
Sarah’s training contract experience
For Sarah Copeman, one of the most valuable aspects of her training contract has been the breadth of experience both within and beyond fee‑earning work. During her seat in the Agricultural and Rural Property team, Sarah attended site visits, supported conveyancing matters and played an active role in business development, including supporting the annual Agricultural Christmas Quiz and contributing to a breakfast seminar at Salisbury Racecourse.
These experiences helped Sarah develop essential skills such as communication, relationship‑building and client engagement, all of which are vital as she looks ahead to qualification.
Now in her Contentious Trusts and Probate seat, Sarah has attended a remote hearing and several mediations, supporting the process from preparation through to settlement. She assisted with preparing bundles, liaising with parties and drafting initial versions of settlement agreements during mediation. Seeing her drafting form the basis of final agreed documents has been a particularly rewarding experience.
A supportive and sociable culture
Across all teams, trainees at Trethowans benefit from a supportive environment where asking questions is encouraged and learning is a shared priority. Alongside this, the firm places emphasis on its culture and social side.
From office‑wide initiatives such as Christmas decorating competitions to firm‑wide activities and departmental socials, there are plenty of opportunities to connect with colleagues. Trainees and apprentices also organise two socials each year, bringing together cohorts across Trethowans’ five offices. Recent highlights have included dinners, escape rooms and upcoming creative events, helping trainees build relationships beyond their immediate teams.
Applications are now open for our 2028 intake and will close on 27th February 2026, click here to find out more.
