Take a seat: the Ashfords trainee podcast

In episode 5 of Take a Seat, Bella is joined by Toby Tompkins, talent attraction manager at Ashfords. Toby is predominantly involved in the recruitment of fee earners at the firm and has a wealth of experience of both the trainee solicitor and wider early recruitment process. Toby and Bella work together on all aspects of training contract applications, from attending law fairs and hosting insight days right through to running our summer schemes and assessment centres. In this episode, they draw on their experience to offer tips for the application process, the benefits of gaining experience before applying for training contracts, and they answer some commonly asked questions about changing careers and why you should train at Ashfords.As a certified 'LinkedInfluencer', Toby also provides information on the benefits of LinkedIn to enhance your visibility and to begin creating your personal brand.Applications for our 2028 training contracts close on 31 March 2026! You can find out more and submit your application here: https://ashfords.app.candidats.io/roles⁠

In the fourth episode of Take a Seat, the Ashfords trainee podcast, host Bella sits down with three partners from our commercial & intellectual property team: Clare Jackman, Brian Farrell, and Suzie Miles.This in‑depth conversation offers a unique, behind‑the‑scenes look at what it’s really like to complete a commercial seat at Ashfords, the work the team does, and the trainee experience. The episode shares insight into:The types of clients the Commercial & IP team supports, from tech innovators and software providers to renewable energy developers and major infrastructure operators.The day‑to‑day life of a trainee, including drafting, research, contract reviews, client interaction, courtroom exposure and project work.The soft skills trainees build, from commercial awareness and confidence in client meetings to networking, BD involvement, and collaboration across teams and offices.Their career paths into law, which range from more traditional routes to career changes and international experience.Candid “highlights and horrors” from their professional journeys, including surprise tribunal hearings, global enforcement work, high‑stakes infrastructure deals, and the occasional accidental “love you” to a client!

In the third episode of Take a Seat, Bella is joined by Alice Payne and Peter Liver from the College of Legal Practice to discuss what trainee solicitors can expect from the SQE. Bella, Alice and Peter provide an overview of the SQE and what it entails, and offer advice for graduates or trainee solicitors who are going through this process. The discussion explains the different pathways that are available, the challenges and benefits of the SQE, and the support that is available throughout the course.Applications for 2028 training contracts at Ashfords are now open! Find out more about training at the firm here: https://www.ashfords.co.uk/careers/ea...Submit your applications here: https://ashfords.app.candidats.io/roles⁠

In the second episode of Take a Seat, Bella is joined by partners Robin de Wreede and Simon Bailey to discuss what trainee solicitors can expect from a seat in our real estate team.Real estate is our largest division at Ashfords, and with that comes a wide variety of work which touches on commercial development, retail, energy projects, the public sector and more. Robin and Simon explain how trainees feed into this work and are gradually built up to take on more responsibility as they progress in this seat. They also reflect on some of the most interesting cases they have had the opportunity of working on.More broadly, Bella, Robin and Simon explore the value of working in an open-plan office and learning from those around you, and they offer tips on getting the most out of your training contract.Applications for 2028 training contracts at Ashfords are now open! Find out more about training at the firm here: https://www.ashfords.co.uk/careers/early-careers/trainee-opportunitiesSubmit your applications here: https://ashfords.app.candidats.io/roles⁠

In our first episode, host Bella Gartside is joined by partners Anusheh Burcher and Liam Tolen from our commercial disputes team. Together, they discuss the variety of work you can get involved within this seat, striking a balance between contentious and non-contentious seats, and the value of non-legal work experience when applying for training contracts. We also hear about their most memorable cases and their contrasting journeys to becoming partners at Ashfords. Applications for 2028 training contracts are now open! Find out more and apply here: https://ashfords.app.candidats.io/roles