Meet the Team

I am a second-year trainee at Dentons and work in the Milton Keynes office. I chose a career in commercial law because I enjoy problem-solving and the fast-paced work that the industry provides. I started my training contract in 2021 following a successful vacation scheme in 2019. During the two-week vacation scheme, I gained experience in three different departments within the firm and had the opportunity to network with different individuals at a variety of levels giving me an insight into life at Dentons. I was successful in obtaining a training contract offer as a result of this placement.

I decided to accept my offer at Dentons because I was attracted to the prospect of international work and, as the world's largest law firm, I had no doubt that this was something Dentons would expose me to. Alongside being the largest law firm in the world, I was also enticed by the culture at Dentons. During the vacation scheme, I witnessed first-hand how approachable all the fee earners were and I enjoyed working in the collaborative environment that the open-planned office provides. It was important to me when choosing a firm to train at that I felt comfortable with the people around me. I can confidently say that I have never been made to feel that I could not ask a question (and I ask lots!).

So far, I have had experience in two areas within the firm: Property Litigation and Dispute Resolution. I have thoroughly enjoyed working within both teams and have been exposed to a lot of exciting work. In Property Litigation, I worked on an injunction which involved me interviewing witnesses, putting together witness statements and submitting the necessary documents at court. Injunctions require work to be turned around relatively quickly so it was great to be involved in this – a real adrenaline rush! In Dispute Resolution, I was trusted to manage my own cases and took on a lot of responsibility. Having my own caseload really helped develop my case management skills and prepare me for qualification. I was also fortunate to attend two trials and watch the barristers on either side cross-examine witnesses. Although based in Milton Keynes, I regularly attend the London office for team meetings and client events which have been great for building my profile within the firm. Throughout the training contract, I have had regular meetings with my supervisors to talk about work and my career progression. I am always offered support and this has helped me transition to working in a hybrid world seamlessly.

I am also a member of the Social Committee at Dentons. This role allows me to plan office events and team socials. I am currently in the process of organising the office Christmas party along with the other trainees in my cohort. The firm have given us a budget and free rein to organise the party exactly as we choose. I also create fortnightly quizzes that are circulated across the UK and to our offices in the Middle East. As part of Dentons' modernising the training contract, I have had the opportunity to get involved with the Innovation Project. I have recently developed a more time-efficient and cost-effective way for the firm to create statements of costs (a typical trainee task). This has been really useful, as it has given me an insight into different types of legal technology.

Overall, I really enjoy working at Dentons – the firm provides me with international work for well-known clients in an environment in which I feel comfortable to learn.