Dite's success story: Securing a Training Contract at Ashurst Perkins Coie

Dite is a Law graduate from Durham University. She secured a Training Contract with Ashurst Perkins Coie in London, through Bright Network.  

First, please tell us a little bit about yourself.

"Growing up, I wanted to be everything from a shopkeeper to a marine biologist to a biomedical engineer. I realised fairly quickly that my talents lay more squarely in the humanities and that I enjoyed everything, which made law seem like the only rational path.

I was, and remain, a voracious reader and a little pedantic, which I suppose naturally predisposes you to a legal career."

What motivated you to apply for your role?
"I was really interested in energy law and Ashurst’s reputation in the projects, energy and renewables space precedes it.

Along the way, I learnt how wonderful the people working there are and confirmed that it was the place I truly wanted to work."

What was the application process like?

"I actually enjoyed the process. I found the trainee panels that were organised during our assessment centres really insightful.

Being on the other side now, I think the opportunity to ask questions about life at the firm is helpful and gives you a much better idea of whether you’d be a good fit."

How did Bright Network help you secure your role?

"I used Bright Network to secure a place on Ashurst’s first-year scheme back in 2021. I didn’t have much confidence when applying, so I was really thankful to be successful.

During the programme, I realised that Ashurst Perkins Coie was the firm I wanted to work at. From there, it snowballed into a vacation scheme, and now I'm finishing up the first year of my training contract."

What are you most proud of about your journey?

"I’m proud to have got to where I am today despite growing up without knowing anyone from a traditional professional background and admittedly being unsure of what a solicitor even did until my first-year vacation scheme at Ashurst.

What I have found on my journey is that people at all levels are remarkably generous with their time and advice, and taking full advantage of that generosity made my initial lack of knowledge far easier to overcome."

What have you learnt from going through the process?

"I wish I’d known that the process is a lot more bilateral than you might think. Applying to law firms is as much about finding out whether they are a good fit for you as whether you are a good fit for them.

Similarly, I found that you do not need to be extremely academic and corporate at the early stages of your career. I spoke about my bar job, the various fundraising I got up to at university and being a tour guide.

Firms know that meaningful work experience can be really hard to come by, and that so many jobs and hobbies can develop skills that trainees need."

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

"Firstly, when it comes to commercial awareness, I’d say that while being generally aware is good, following stories and topics that genuinely interest you is equally important.

My second tip would be to do your best to relax and try to actually enjoy your interviews, which I know is easier said than done.

I spoke about a hitchhiking charity endeavour in one of mine, and it seemed to really interest my interviewers. Firms are looking for someone who is a cultural fit, so it’s a good idea to talk about experiences that make you you."

Tell us about the future. What’s next?

"I’m really looking forward to being back in the office for the second year of my training contract with my friends and colleagues.

Through my training contract, I’ve had a complete career redirection and found an interest in a department that I had not initially considered, so I’m keeping everything crossed that I’ll be rotating there next.

I’m really excited to take on an increasingly meaningful role at work and learn from the people around me. Even in eleven months, the amount you develop is amazing to look back on."