Meet Olivia, a Trainee Solicitor

I am a first-year trainee solicitor at Dentons in Milton Keynes. I was particularly drawn to Dentons after attending a careers fair at university and learning about the global presence of the firm. I started my training contract in September 2022 after I was successful during my time on their vacation scheme in 2020.

Olivia Gerard-Pearse

Trainee Solicitor

Dentons

Name of graduate scheme: Training Contract (Solicitor)
University, degree and year of graduation: University of Birmingham (LLB Law – graduated 2018) and BPP Holborn (LPC – graduated 2022)

Since starting my training contract, I have sat in both the Employment and Property Litigation teams. I have thoroughly enjoyed both seats for different reasons. When I was working in the Employment team, I helped co-ordinate international policy reviews and assisted with tribunal cases by taking witness statements and preparing bundles of relevant documents. When working in Property Litigation, I have had responsibility to manage some small cases myself and participate in large projects that taught me how to work efficiently and co-ordinate with other members of the team to meet tight deadlines. I have been lucky enough to visit the Rolls Building and High Court of Justice in London, which were big 'pinch me' moments. The increasing level of responsibility that I have gained during my first year as a trainee has taught me how to manage my workload and prioritise competing deadlines and client expectations.

The training contract at Dentons is very varied as I have participated in a range of activities that are not directly linked to chargeable work. I have particularly enjoyed participating in pro-bono matters, volunteering with local charities and being involved with organising office events and activities for the English and Scottish offices as this has enabled me to network with a wide variety of people within the firm. This has exposed me to the internal processes within the firm and taught me how to manage my responsibilities to ensure I deliver on all aspects of my job as a trainee.

One of my favourite things about working at Dentons is that we have a very impressive portfolio of clients; it is particularly rewarding when I read about cases I have assisted with on the news. I also feel fortunate that I frequently work from both the Milton Keynes and London offices depending on the work that I must do or courts I need to attend. This enables me to network with my peers in London and also means my work weeks are varied.

I am keen to qualify with Dentons as I like the culture of the firm and am excited by the international opportunities available to me.