Johana's success story: Securing a training contract at Hill Dickinson

Johana is a Law graduate from the University of Sheffield. She secured a Trainee Solicitor role at Hill Dickinson in London.  

First, please tell us a little bit about yourself.

“I’m a person who likes to try out a range of different things so that I can always be certain in my decisions.

I always wanted to be a lawyer but decided to take a little detour on the way towards becoming one.”

What motivated you to apply for your role?

“I was motivated to apply to Hill Dickinson because it perfectly combines my personal interests with my professional ambitions.

My dad worked at Maersk when I was younger and often brought home mini shipping containers for us to collect, sparking my early fascination with the maritime sector. Hill Dickinson’s Marine Training Contract immediately stood out as an opportunity to build on that passion at a top-tier market-leading firm.

What truly reinforced my decision to apply was learning more about the firm’s culture and commitment to the community. My attendance at the insight day highlighted Hill Dickinson’s active community engagement, fundraising initiatives and the work of the Hill Dickinson Foundation and office charities.

These efforts, along with the firm’s Community pillar and its partnership with the Everton Stadium project, reflect a genuine dedication to social impact and inclusivity.

I was inspired by how Hill Dickinson balances professional excellence with meaningful community involvement. It made me confident that this is a firm where I can develop as a lawyer while contributing to a culture that values purpose, collaboration and positive change.”

What was the application process like?

“The application process was rigorous but supportive. Throughout the process, the early careers team kept us updated on timelines which was extremely reassuring.

The assessment centre was challenging but enjoyable and the early careers team were very welcoming and did an excellent job of easing our nerves throughout the day.

The final interview was a pleasant surprise. Although I was anxious, the senior associates and early careers team were incredibly receptive and friendly which really helped to ease my nerves.”

What are you most proud of about your journey?

“I’m most proud of having overcome my imposter syndrome. Having worked in tech sales for the past few years and never having secured a vacation scheme, I often doubted whether I’d be able to return to a career in law.

Many of my peers secured training contracts in their second year of university so I sometimes worried that it was too late for me. I overcame these feelings by having open conversations with my peers, networking and connecting with career changers at different law firms, and most importantly by refusing to see myself as an imposter and believing in my own capabilities.

Once I did this, I began to see more success in my applications and it felt incredibly fulfilling!”

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

“My advice would be to never be afraid to ask for help from your peers and wider network. During the application process, I sought advice from people who had gone through similar experiences and gained valuable insight into how to find a law firm that truly aligns with who I am.

I would also recommend using platforms like Bright Network where you can read about different firms and hear success stories that keep you motivated. These resources were invaluable in helping me to realise that Hill Dickinson was the right firm for me.

Finally, do not let imposter syndrome hold you back. There may be setbacks along the way but remember that when one door closes another one opens.”

Tell us about the future. What’s next?

“I'm looking forward to starting the SQE. I’ve heard so much about it and am ready to get stuck in.

I’m most looking forward to starting my training contract and meeting my colleagues. I enjoyed speaking with current Hill Dickinson employees during the insight day and look forward to continuing these conversations.

I look forward to challenging myself every day and building lasting relationships with the other trainees on my cohort and beyond.”