Alan's success story: Securing a Trainee Solicitor role at Ashurst Perkins Coie

Alan is a History graduate from the University of Exeter. He secured a Trainee Solicitor role at Ashurst Perkins Coie in London, through Bright Network.

First, please tell us a little bit about yourself.

“If I’d not gone into law,I’d have loved to have been an architect because it combines rules and logic with endless creativity.

This is why I might also want to pursue venture capital law. Founders can take their early-stage companies in any direction they want and I think advising them is a fun prospect.”

What motivated you to apply for your role?

“Ashurst Perkins Coie has many excellent practices, including its corporate department, which is an area of law I wanted more exposure to.

Coming to the end of my corporate seat now, I can confidently say I’ve seen and learnt precisely what I wanted to get a feel for.”

How did Bright Network help you secure your role?

“One of my first exposures to employers was via Bright Network and its in-person FESTIVAL event.

I also completed the Commercial Law track of Internship Experience UK and attended their Presidents’ Day event with the Law Society I was co-president of.”

What are you most proud of about your journey?

“I’m most proud of overcoming the typical challenges associated with socially mobile candidates. I’m a first-generation immigrant and the first (trainee) lawyer in my family. I was the first in my family to graduate from university. I also attended a North London secondary school and a sixth form with a significant deprivation factor and generally low attainment.

I was fortunate then to receive a place to study at Exeter, which paired me with top legal mentors, provided invaluable career advice, and gave me access to opportunities such as travel scholarships and a law society that I founded and led as co-president.

I believe the soft skills and CV experience I gained from these initiatives facilitated me securing a training contract at a top law firm, but it’s been a long journey that required a lot of grit, resilience and perseverance.”

What are your tips for people looking to follow in your footsteps?

“If you know you really want it, it’s a matter of ‘when’ not ‘if’. It took me three application cycles to get my training contract, but I don’t regret chasing this path in the slightest.

I’d recommend using your university’s resources and finding a mentor. I’ve had four, but each mentor has taught me something different.”

Tell us about the future. What’s next?

“I’m looking forward to the rest of my training contract and am similarly excited to see where I’ll qualify in over a year’s time.”