During my Law and French degree at Bristol University, I had the privilege of spending one year at the University of Bordeaux Montesquieu. Following graduation, I worked for one year as a paralegal at a boutique law firm specialising in commercial litigation and insolvency disputes. I am now currently studying the LPC before commencing my training contract at Goodwin in 2023.
What inspired you to apply for this role with Goodwin?
Undertaking vacation schemes at various commercial law firms made me cognisant of the differences between City firms, notably the type of environment which would appeal to me. As I enjoy learning by osmosis, I knew that Goodwin’s modest trainee intake would allow me to assume ownership of challenging tasks at an early stage.
Goodwin’s spectacular growth in the London market was also a huge motivating factor behind my application. The firm’s lateral hiring success would accelerate my professional development through exposure to experts in their field. These lateral hires, coupled with Goodwin’s base in Silicon Fen, are indicative of the firm’s growing commitment towards strengthening its practice areas in the UK.
Previous experience in private equity departments re-affirmed my ambition to apply to firms that offer this seat in their training contract. Not only can Goodwin leverage its transatlantic strength to attract elite mandates, it also advises on a wider variety of private equity mandates than its competitors. This provides trainees with a more holistic and well-rounded understanding of private equity.
What do you find most interesting with the sector/industry you’re in?
Within the academic side of law, I have always enjoyed grasping legal theory and formulating opinions on legal texts. However, I prefer the practical side of the sector, notably the ability to cultivate client relationships and work collaboratively in commercially driven projects.
Attending various networking events and speaking to corporate lawyers, I learnt that no transaction is the same. The fresh challenges and varied work would create an environment for continuous learning beyond qualification. This would stretch my skillset and help me reach my potential.
How important is diversity to you and what is Goodwin doing in this space at the moment?
Diversity helps lawyers escape from a parochial mindset and gain a perspective on the cultural nuances that exist when working across multiple jurisdictions.
Connecting with people from different backgrounds also leads to diversity of thought. Diverging opinions not only allows scrutiny of one’s own arguments but it enables lawyers to evaluate different ideas and create innovative, tailored client advice.
Goodwin’s numerous accolades in this sphere, which include the recent winner of the 2022 compass award, epitomise the firm’s resolve to build a more inclusive environment. What is more, Goodwin’s ambitious 2025 diversity commitments evidence that diversity is not simply of importance to Goodwin but is instead a core value of the firm. Everyone whom I have met so far at the firm are all very different people brought together by their aspiration to deliver good client service.
Finally, any tips for anyone who’d like to apply for a role at Goodwin?
While it is important to demonstrate a genuine enthusiasm towards the industries in which Goodwin operates, it also helps to know how lawyers help their clients in these industries. In this respect, I would advise speaking to industry professionals, conducting online learning and keeping up to date with the news.
Also understand how Goodwin competes in a saturated market. This can be achieved by recognising how Goodwin distinguishes itself from its closest competitors and how its lawyers would pitch to potential clients.