Interview
Walking up to the office on my first day at Gateley, I’ll be honest – I was nervous. It’s a feeling I think most candidates expect. What I didn’t expect was just how quickly that feeling would disappear. By the end of the week, I genuinely didn’t want to leave.
What stood out to me most was how quickly I was made to feel welcome, and not just welcome, but genuinely part of the team.
During my time in Commercial Dispute Resolution, the team were in the middle of a busy period. Despite that, they made space for me. They took the time to explain what they were working on, talk me through their roles, and involve me in real, interesting legal tasks.
Later in the week, I also spent time with the Employment team and experienced exactly the same approach. No matter their level – trainee through to partner – people were approachable, open, and happy to share their insights. It never felt like I was observing from the sidelines; I felt included.
One of the things I quickly realised is that there’s no such thing as a “typical” day on the vacation scheme – and that’s part of what makes it so engaging.
Each morning started with a check-in with my trainee buddy, who would set me a task for the day. Whether it was researching a legal issue or reviewing aspects of a case, there was always something meaningful to work on – and plenty of support along the way.
At lunch, I’d usually catch up with the other vacation scheme students. It was a great chance to share experiences, swap tips, and support each other.
Beyond that, the week was varied and full. I attended a dinner with trainees and fellow candidates, and even went along to a local charity event that the office was supporting. Back in the office, my days ranged from analysing the prospects of a claim to having informal conversations with colleagues in different teams, helping me build a bigger picture of the firm.
One thing I hadn’t fully appreciated before the scheme was just how many different routes there are into a legal career.
Speaking to people across the business, I learned that there’s no single path to becoming a solicitor at Gateley. Some individuals had taken the traditional training contract route, while others were qualifying through solicitor apprenticeships. Among the candidates, too, there was a mix of backgrounds – some with prior legal experience and others still at university.
It changed my perspective. It made me realise that there isn’t a “right” or “normal” way into the profession – and that Gateley actively supports a range of pathways. That felt genuinely encouraging.
If I had one piece of advice for anyone applying, it’s simple: be yourself.
It might sound like a cliché, but I’ve realised it’s repeated so often for a reason. It’s easy to fall into the trap of trying to present what you think a firm wants to see. Of course, preparation matters, do your research, be professional, and put your best foot forward. But don’t lose sight of who you are in the process.
The application journey isn’t just about the firm getting to know you, it’s also your chance to understand whether the firm is right for you.
Choosing a training contract is a significant commitment on both sides. The more authentic you are, the easier it is to see whether there’s a genuine fit. And as a bonus, you’ll probably enjoy the experience a lot more too.