Bennett Griffin’s Head Of Dispute Resolution Recounts Her Training Contract Memories
Bennett Griffin’s Training Contracts are back. After a brief hiatus, we are once again launching our annual search for trainee solicitors. Three successful candidates will get the opportunity to experience both contentious and non-contentious practice areas. And who knows where the opportunity might lead. Many of our current solicitors started their legal careers with the training contract, including our Head of Dispute Resolution, Amy Offen. She told us about her experiences learning the ropes with Bennett Griffin.
“I can remember reading about the Bennett Griffin Training Contracts. At the time I was working at an accountancy practice in Worthing. I studied English Literature at University and completed a Graduate Diploma in Law, so I knew that law was something I wanted to get into. In fact, I had just finished the Legal Practice Course in Guildford and was looking to secure a training contract when I saw the opportunity here. Because the firm had such a strong reputation in the town, I decided to apply and, fortunately, was successful.
“The learning curve with a training contract is a steep one but the variety of experiences I had and the support and supervision I was given made it a brilliant experience.”
“My supervisors throughout the two-year contract were brilliant. I learned so much from them. One of the biggest things I gained was confidence in what I was doing. I was trusted with work, trusted to try things whilst also being fully supported, which meant that I could push myself knowing I had the support if I needed it. The learning curve with a training contract is steep. Still, the variety of experiences I had and the support and supervision I was given made it a brilliant experience.
“The great thing about Bennett Griffin’s Training Contracts is the variety of cases and experiences. I can still remember my very first day. I went to visit a seriously injured Personal Injury client in hospital with my supervisor. The work varies between the departments, but generally, you can expect to get involved in casework early on, be it drafting documents, research, taking instructions from clients, attending meetings. Everything’s guided by your supervisor in that area, ensuring you get the best foundation in training and learning but also hands-on experience that stands you in brilliant stead for when you qualify.
“The work varies between the departments but generally you can expect to get involved in case work early on, be it drafting documents, research, taking instructions from clients, attending meetings.”
“And of course, who knows where the opportunity could lead you? I actually left Bennett Griffin shortly after I qualified for a large practice in London. Although it was a really interesting experience, I was asked to come back about a year after leaving, and I happily returned to Bennett Griffin, becoming an Associate at that point. I was promoted to Partner in 2015 and became a member of the Management Board in 2021.”
Are you interested in a Bennett Griffin Training Contract?
The deadline for this year’s recruits is Thursday 31st March. To apply, we ask that you send your CV and covering letter to our Operations Manager, Kathy Grieve, at KAG@bennett-griffin.co.uk.
Successful applicants selected for interviews will be notified by 30th April 2022. Interviews will typically take place in May 2022.
Our decisions as to who has secured a training contract will be provided by 30th June 2022.