Please introduce yourself and where you are currently at in your legal career
I am Milan, a first-year trainee solicitor at Leathes Prior Solicitors in Norwich. I am currently in my second seat in the Litigation and Dispute Resolution team.
When and why did you decide to pursue a career in law?
I decided quite late, towards the end of the third year of my undergraduate degree. It was a shot in the dark, based on what I knew I enjoyed: people-focused work, client service, and intellectual challenge. Law seemed like a good fit, and I have loved it since day one.
How did you find the transition from studying a degree to beginning the GDL?
It was a dramatic change of pace. The GDL is tough, and the workload is significantly higher, but I found it easier to engage with because I was genuinely interested in the modules. The subject matter felt meaningful in a way my undergraduate degree did not.
How did you prepare for securing a training contract?
Organisation was the most important factor. I use tech tools to structure my life, and for applications I created a tailored workspace on Notion. It included deadlines, reminders, research notes and sub‑workspaces for each firm. Breaking the process into smaller tasks made it manageable and helped me tailor every application properly.
Out of the seats you have taken, which have you enjoyed most?
I have sat in Residential Property and Dispute Resolution. Both have elements I enjoy. Residential Property is fast-paced and transactional. Dispute Resolution offers commercially minded clients and intellectual challenge. It is too early to commit to one area, but both have surprised me in different ways.
Did you envision yourself specialising in a particular area before working, and has this changed?
During the GDL and LPC, I developed a strong interest in commercial work, both transactional and contentious. I am fortunate to be trying commercial disputes now, and in September 2023 I will join the Corporate and Commercial team. That said, I kept an open mind in my first seat and was surprised by how much I enjoyed Residential Property. You never truly know what you will enjoy until you try it.
Why did you choose a regional firm?
There are two reasons. The main reason is that I didn't want to be a small fish in a big pond. Magic Circle firms initially appealed to me, but I realised I would prefer to be a meaningful part of a smaller regional firm. The personal reason is that I love Norfolk. Studying far from home made me realise how much I value living here, so building my career locally made sense.
What has been your most challenging experience as a trainee so far?
The level of responsibility. My firm treats trainees as junior fee earners, which means being involved at the highest level we can manage. It is demanding and not for the faint-hearted, but the rate of improvement is unmatched. I have fallen short many times, but that is part of the journey.
What does a typical day look like for you, and what tasks are you assigned?
There is no typical day in Dispute Resolution. Early on, you draft short letters, conduct research and handle court filings. As you gain experience, you draft witness statements, statements of case,e and advise clients on complex issues. The variety is constant.
How would you describe the standard trainee at your firm?
There is no single type. My cohort is diverse, with distinct personalities and strengths. Firms benefit from trainees with different approaches because each suits different areas. The underlying similarities are ambition, intelligence, hard work and charisma. These traits are what most firms look for.
What advice would you give to individuals hoping to obtain a training contract but facing rejections?
If you want to avoid failure, law may not be the right career. Even now, I fail regularly. Law is tough and full of setbacks, but if you can withstand them, you will emerge a brilliant lawyer and an accomplished person. You cannot lose if you never give up.
Where do you see yourself in a few years and at what type of firm?
When applying during my GDL, I made it clear I wanted a firm where I could put down roots and progress long term. Leathes Prior shares that vision, and more than half of the partners started as trainees. I plan to work hard during my training contract and persuade the firm to take me on as an NQ and beyond.
What aspirations do you have for the legal profession and its accessibility?
Law remains opaque for students. During my GDL and LPC, I was only drip-fed information about what becoming a lawyer involves. I believe trainees and paralegals should be honest about their experiences to help others understand the profession. Some lawyers do this well, and I am trying to contribute through my social media presence.
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