Matthew Martin, Walker Morris

Matthew Martin is a trainee solicitor at Walker Morris, where his latest training contract seat is in the regulatory department. He graduated from Keele University with a degree in English and law.

Deciding where to apply for a training contract

My experiences of working practice during the vacation placement scheme cemented my decision to train at the firm. As a trainee, a typical day can involve various tasks but it is guaranteed that you will be interacting with clients and lawyers at the firm constantly. I am now in my fifth seat, regulatory, and I have already had significant contact with clients after only a few weeks. I have dealt with licensees, local authorities, the police, individual clients and company representatives both in the UK and abroad.

Working hours as a trainee solicitor

There is a large amount of responsibility given to trainees, tempered by hands-on training and support from all areas of the law firm. This means that you get to know other members of the firm easily. Working hours vary and you can expect to work from 8.30 am to 6.30 pm as a reasonable estimate, but if work needs doing I can be in the department for as long as it takes to get the work done.

Working at a regional law firm

To succeed at a regional firm you need to be a well rounded individual who is personable, hard working, driven and intellectual. Provided there is a newly qualified job opening in the relevant department and assuming that the firm want me to stay, I can see myself working here long term. Within five years I would like to be an associate and to be increasing the firm’s client base through the quality of my work.