Dentons Trainee Profiles
Hear from some of Dentons' current trainees below!
Bianca Ritter - Trainee
Degree: Joint MA in English and Medieval History from the University of St Andrews.
Graduation year: 2021
What seat?
Dentons London office. I am a first-year trainee currently in my second seat (asset, trade, and export finance) but I am moving soon to my third seat, a secondment to Toulouse to support our client Airbus.
Why did you decide on a career in Law?
Unusually, studying history made law a natural choice for me. Like history, law requires strong written and verbal skills, an interest in research, a flair for constructing fact-based arguments, and the ability collaborate well with others. A career in commercial law felt like a natural next step. I am regularly amazed by how many other history graduates I run into around the firm.
Why did you choose to train with Dentons?
I was initially attracted to Dentons' reputation for high quality work and extensive training contract offering. However, when I had the opportunity to meet other trainees, my decision was reinforced by the firm's approach to hiring candidates from diverse backgrounds. Having moved to London from Texas to start my training contract, I immediately felt at ease in my cohort and was grateful for the breadth of different experiences represented. I was also encouraged by Dentons' generous approach to pro-bono work, and since beginning my training contract I have had the opportunity to assist groups like Asylum Aid, Reprieve, and eyeWitness to Atrocities. Looking back, I would choose Dentons again on the basis of the firm's exceptional investment in trainees. The firm, especially at the partnership level, prioritises trainee growth and provides the training, feedback, and individual support needed to excel.
Tell us about your training contract. What does this involve?
My training contract involves four six-month seat rotations through different departments here at Dentons. It's an ideal opportunity to test the waters of different practice groups and find a niche while carrying real responsibility within a team.
What kind of tasks do you complete on a typical day?
A typical day as a trainee varies enormously across departments! In banking, I often find myself corresponding with clients and counsel across the globe, drafting documents and emails, attending client calls, and helping my team progress ongoing matters. In my previous seat, my day-to-day work usually involved in-depth research tasks, preparing documents for court, drafting witness statements, and speaking to experts.
At basic level, the daily work of a trainee is hugely varied but always centers around supporting your colleagues and clients which makes it an enormously rewarding experience.
What do you enjoy about being a solicitor?
One of the most exciting parts of being a trainee solicitor is the real variety of work and responsibility placed on you, even at an early stage of your career. The work itself is interesting and connects to real life problems and international markets. Although the work is fast-paced, I love the opportunity to challenge myself. In particular, it is encouraging to see when my work makes a material difference to the outcome of a case or project for my clients. Watching a deal you have worked on be announced internally at the firm or even on the news is a fantastic reminder that the work you contribute, even as a junior, does make a difference.
What are the challenges?
As a little bit of a perfectionist, especially in the first few weeks of my seat, I initially found the most significant challenge to be my own (unreasonable) expectations that I could complete tasks perfectly upon the first attempt. Learning how to ask effective questions and recognising the essential learning process helped build my confidence over my first year as a trainee. The other, long-term challenge of being a trainee is the daunting realisation that there will always be a moving target of new things to learn. Global commercial trends change daily, and it is a solicitor's job to constantly improve. Dentons has encouraged upskilling among trainees by allowing us to develop our own innovative solutions to problems within our departments. For example, I have been creating my own AI-bot to review documentation- a departure from my normal comfort zone. While this constant learning process can undoubtedly be challenging, it is also a motivating factor and makes the daily work of a trainee infinitely more interesting.
How do you strike a healthy work/life balance?
I am a strong believer in hobbies as a way of reducing stress and striking a healthy work life balance. I frequently stop off after work to go mudlarking - a type of urban archaeology- along the river Thames and I love curating my collection of small finds. I also enjoy cycling and am currently trying to improve my French language skills before moving to Toulouse this autumn, both of which provide a positive outlet after a long day of work.
Realistically, I think the best way to solidify a long-term work life balance is to look for supportive team. Although being a trainee lawyer does inevitably require a willingness to face long hours and difficult tasks, my team has always prioritised a healthy balance through their flexible hybrid working policy and empathetic support of me as an individual on a day-to-day basis.
What are your career ambitions?
In the short term, my career ambition is to broaden my understanding of law and the dynamics between different jurisdictions and markets through my time on a six-month international secondment. I am especially looking forward to building on my experience supporting clients and further honing my technical skills so I can be well-rounded and well prepared for the practice area I chose to pursue. I am also keen to continue supporting pro-bono projects throughout the duration of my training contract. In the long term, reaching partner-level is another challenging goal to which I aspire.
Eloise Dunne - Trainee
Degree: Law (LLB) with European Law at the University of Nottingham, spending a year on Erasmus at Charles University, Prague.
Graduation year: 2021
First/second year trainee and current department
Dentons Milton Keynes office. First year trainee in the People Reward and Mobility (Employment) team. I spent my first seat in the Litigation team.
Why did you decide on a career in law?
My aspiration for a career in law was deeply rooted in my passion for problem-solving and my ability to think swiftly and effectively under pressure. At University I was captivated by the intricate ways in which the law governs society and the profound impact it has on every facet of our lives. The intellectual rigor of understanding complex legal frameworks, coupled with the dynamic nature of legal challenges, has always intrigued me. I am driven by a commitment to justice and the desire to use my legal knowledge to advocate for fairness and equity. The law is a powerful tool for change, and I am eager to wield it responsibly to help individuals and communities navigate the legal landscape and to ensure that justice is not just a concept, but a lived reality for all.
Why did you choose to train with Dentons?
I was fortunate enough to work for Dentons as their Campus Ambassador during my last year at university. This was a great opportunity for me to get to know some of the Dentons team and their work from the inside, so to speak. I loved my time in this role, and it inspired me to apply for their summer vacation scheme. It was through the vacation scheme that I was offered a training contract.
More broadly, Dentons really appealed because of its global reach; and the opportunity this presented to work on international transactions and litigation. It has a wide array of practice areas, so I knew I would have a great choice of seats to choose from. Dentons was also well known for its high-quality training and professional development that I knew would stand me in good stead for a successful legal career.
Tell us about your training contract. What does this involve?
To give you a taste of what my training contract involves, I typically, work from home two days a week and go into the Milton Keynes office three days a week. I rarely have a pattern to the work I produce, which I love. The role is such a dynamic one and allows me to work on all sorts of task with all sorts of people; internal and external. Some typical chargeable tasks I have completed through my training contact include attending client meetings to take notes, advising clients of ad hoc employment advice, reviewing documents for disclosure, drafting correspondence, calling courts for updates, instructing counsel, making court applications, research for witness interviews and attending internal planning meetings. As trainees we also do a lot of non-chargeable work which is aimed at improving our professional development. Non chargeable work can involve, reporting on new legal guidelines or case law in team meetings, preparing training slides and speaker notes for client training and writing blogs and articles for our website. Throughout our training contract we are also strongly encouraged to partake in Pro Bono work. In the last few months, I have gotten involved in producing parliamentary reports for charities, providing advice to prisoners, helping our local food bank, drafting residential housing advice for an individual, presenting careers in law to local schools and drafting cease and desist letters for a charity.
How do you strike a healthy work/life balance?
Having the flexibility to work from home has really helped strike a healthy work life balance. By saving on travel time into the office, I am able to attend, my Pilates classes after work and catch up with friends, whether that is on a dog walk or at the local pub! I also look forward to the days I am in the office because most weeks colleagues and I will socialise after work, or we will go for lunch together or have coffee catch ups in the day. Dentons promote socialising within teams and office wide and offer a variety of social activities across all our offices. There is rarely pressure to work outside of our normal hours which means you feel like you can properly switch off after work in the week and my weekends are unaffected.
What three qualities are important for a career in law?
Proactiveness, good communication skills and analytical skills
Can you debunk a myth about working as a solicitor?
One common myth about working as a solicitor is that it is a dry and uncreative profession, focused solely on tedious paperwork and the mechanical application of laws. This myth fails to capture the dynamic and intellectually stimulating nature of legal work.
In reality, solicitors often need to be highly creative and innovative thinkers. The practice of law is not just about applying existing statutes; it often involves crafting novel arguments, finding unique solutions to complex problems, and navigating evolving legal landscapes. Solicitors must interpret legislation, case law, and contracts, which can require a great deal of creativity, especially when dealing with cases that set new precedents or when laws are outdated and need to be applied to modern situations. The role of a solicitor can be incredibly varied, involving negotiation, advocacy, and strategic planning. Solicitors must understand their clients' needs and objectives, which can involve industries ranging from technology to entertainment, and issues from intellectual property to human rights. This diversity requires solicitors to be adaptable and innovative in their approach to legal services.
Therefore, the myth that solicitors are confined to monotonous and unimaginative work is far from the truth. The profession offers a challenging and rewarding career that combines analytical rigor with creative problem-solving.
What are your career ambitions?
My career ambitions are to have a successful private practice career at Dentons before hopefully embarking on teaching in law schools or on the professional skills courses we complete to inspire the next generation of lawyers.
What advice can you give to other aspiring solicitors?
Focus on achieving strong academic results, as these are often the first criteria firms consider. However, remember that practical skills and a well-rounded character are also highly valued. Seek out internships, vacation schemes, or work placements to gain hands-on experience. This not only strengthens your CV but also gives you a taste of what being a solicitor entails. Try to cultivate skills that are essential for solicitors, such as attention to detail, analytical thinking, effective communication, negotiation, and time management; these soft skills can be difficult to work on but keeping up to date with legal developments and industry news can help this and so can working to build a professional network through events, social media, and professional associations. Networking can also provide mentorship opportunities and potential leads for training contracts.
The path to becoming a solicitor is unique for everyone, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Stay focused on your goals, be proactive in your career development, and remain open to the many opportunities the legal profession offers.
Rebecca Byrne - Trainee
Degree: First Class Scots Law LLB with Spanish Language from the University of Glasgow . Distinction in the Diploma for Professional Legal Practice from the University of Glasgow.
Graduation year: 2022 & 2023
First/second year trainee and current department:
First year trainee, in the final weeks of my second seat in the Glasgow Technology, Media and Telecommunications (TMT) department
Why did you decide on a career in law?
I have always been interested in current affairs in business, technology and politics and enjoy problem-solving, critical thinking and ultimately helping people. I knew that I wanted to work in the commercial law sector after studying a competition law course whilst living and studying in Spain. My time abroad also confirmed my desire to work at an international law firm!
Why did you choose to train with Dentons?
Working at the world's largest law firm provides the opportunity to work with international offices and clients on international, multi-jurisdictional and also local Scottish matters. Dentons broad array of clients in various different sectors also provides the opportunity in each seat to work on very different matters, where no day is often the same. I had also heard from trainees that the environment in each team is very supportive of its trainees, with fee earners taking the time to explain how work should be carried out, provide feedback and explain legal concepts, as well as affording you a large amount of responsibility from an early stage.
Tell us about your training contract. What does this involve?
I am now in the final weeks of my second seat in the TMT department prior to heading off on client secondment with a move to London joining an international client's gas and power trading team. I spent my first seat in the Corporate department here in Scotland. My first six months saw a lot of private M&A work where I was usually responsible for drafting corporate ancillary documents and general project management to see exciting deals over the line. My work in TMT has been varied, including a lot of commercial and intellectual property contract review and drafting ranging from supply of goods agreements to IT agreements to chef collaboration agreements. I have really enjoyed taking the skills learned at my time at university and applying them to real world problems, becoming more solutions-focused and developing a more critical mindset. The environment within the firm and in each team has been nurturing and all fee earners and colleagues are eager to see you grow as a trainee to becoming more confident in your communication, drafting and general legal skills.
What do you enjoy about being a solicitor?
I enjoy working on a diverse set of projects and matters with a large variety of clients – you end up knowing a lot of very niche facts about very niche clients! I also enjoy working in a team to see projects or deals over the line where there is a real sense of hard work and team effort to achieve the best possible outcome. This also translates into the amount of pro bono work that we are able to be involved in. In my year at the firm I have advised numerous charities, assisted at remote pop-up clinics and assisted global charities in document review for death row cases. There is a real sense of reward when you know that you are able to help a broad variety of people in the role of a solicitor.
What are the challenges?
In my case, I had never worked in an office environment on a permanent full-time basis and therefore it took some time to get used to office culture and ways of working – never mind the legal bit! As many students due, it can be hard at first to accept that you are going to make mistakes and not understand a lot of what goes on in your team in the beginning. However, being comfortable with this unfamiliar territory is key for growth and development. My first supervisor would always tell me that when you are feeling comfortable – it is time to move the goal posts! I also often found that where I had corrections made to some of my drafting, often lead for an increased opportunity for learning where my supervisor would go into greater detail as to the mechanics and the 'why' behind certain drafting points. A cliché but you do learn from your mistakes!
How do you strike a healthy work/life balance?
Settling into a full-time job pushed me to really solidify what I enjoy doing in my spare time and making sure I keep these as non-negotiables in my daily calendar. Despite not previously being a morning person, I really treasure getting up that hour or two early every morning to make time for a gym or run session with friends every day of the week. Having this time in the morning where I am able to exercise and socialise ensures that no matter how chaotic the day becomes, I have that "me" time box ticked off each day. I am also a huge advocate for joining and/or attending as many work social committees and events as possible. I am part of both our office social and charities committee, as well as our office run club. Whilst work-life balance entirely out of work is important, it can also be beneficial to socialise with work colleagues in a non-work-related environment.
What three qualities are important for a career in law?
I remember in one of training sessions this question was asked and upon receiving the survey results the seemingly obvious answer of having a sound legal knowledge was not anywhere near the top. Whilst, of course, this is integral to the role of a solicitor, it was agreed that clients value and keep returning to solicitors who are (1) personable and can speak to the client in a client-friendly manner, not like a robotic lawyer, (2) reliable, who do what they say they will do and keep the client well informed and (3) knowledgeable of the wider context around the client's business, aware that the law does not exist in a vacuum and that changes in the political and social landscape can influence how and when a client does business.
Can you debunk a myth about working as a solicitor?
I think a common misconception of trainee life is that you are often left to deal with administrative tasks and do not really add any value to your team. From my year at Dentons and in both my Corporate and TMT seat, this cannot be further from the truth! Whilst, as is the case in any job, and for any fee earner, administrative tasks do exist, I have never felt like a spare part in any team and often feel like I sit on the other end of the spectrum of my colleagues continuously encouraging me to take on more responsibility and to tackle more complex tasks. To give specific examples of the importance of a trainee's role in a team, I refer to the many deals I was involved with during my Corporate seat. I was always tasked with drafting most of the corporate ancillary documents, post-completion Companies House filings, general project management through liaising with the other side and most importantly ensuring that all the documents have been signed properly to be able to confirm that the multi-million-pound deal has completed! Furthermore, in my time in the TMT team I have been entirely responsible for producing due diligence reporting on large sets of commercial agreements and intellectual property documents such as customer/supplier agreements and trademark registrations. I have been given the opportunity to hone my skills in not only identifying issues within these documents but also advise the client how best to approach and resolve such issues.
Tell us about an issue that is currently affecting the law sector/your firm.
As expected, AI is seeming to be the most prevalent issue facing law firms at present. It has been really exciting to see the launch, roll-out and everyday implementation of Dentons very own AI chat bot FleetAI in my time at the firm. FleetAI allows us to refine language of draft emails and documents, provide very specific answers on drafting points and also permits the upload of client confidential documents to quickly scan and review wording. It is a tool that is used by all fee earners from trainee to partner on a daily basis to increase efficiencies but it is also clear that AI will only take us so far, and as stated in my above answer regarding important qualities, an AI chat bot does not provide that personal element that a good solicitor brings to its client relationships. It is my opinion that the proliferation and advancement of AI tools is inevitable, so using them in an appropriate manner to improve efficiencies and the quality of your work shall only work in the firm's favour! Indeed, the Dentons training contract incorporates an innovation programme in each seat rotation where trainees are encouraged to develop an innovative project, tool or process that will improve each department's way of working. The other TMT trainees and I are currently working on a contract summary report generator powered by FleetAI that produces a succinct summary of an agreements red flag issues and key contractual provisions to be utilized during due diligence.
Allan Ndungu -Apprentice
Why did you decide on a career in law?
I decided to pursue a career in law when I studied it in sixth form and developed an interest in how the law interacts with the real world. I was curious about how legal conflicts would operate in a commercial setting and how they could be leveraged to either advance or protect business interests. This intersection of law and business is what prompted me to start gaining work experience in the legal sector. When I discovered the apprenticeship route, I knew it would be exactly what I wanted, as it would allow me to study the law and apply it simultaneously. Why opt for an apprenticeship over other qualification routes?
The practical experience the apprenticeship offers made it a very enticing choice over university as I would be able to start learning the relevant skills and gaining invaluable experience from an earlier age then had I gone to university. That alongside the debt free tuition I would be receiving made the apprenticeship very appealing for me.
How did you find and apply for your apprenticeship?
I discovered which law firms offered apprenticeships by reading articles online, and then I conducted research on each firm to determine which ones I thought would be a good fit for me. Once I had compiled a list of firms I was interested in, I began applying to them.
Why did you choose that particular office location?
I chose the Milton Keynes office because I wanted to see how a global law firm leverages its specialty to help regional businesses grow. It also helps that the Milton Keynes office is close to where I live.
Tell us about your apprenticeship (length, structure, level, the qualification you’ll receive at the end etc)
My apprenticeship spans six years, I have five years remaining. During this time, I will rotate through eight different departments. For the first four years, I will spend one year in each department, followed by four six-month rotations in the remaining two years. This apprenticeship leads to a Level 7 qualification, and upon completion, I will receive an LLB bachelor's in law. Additionally, the firm will sponsor my Solicitor Qualifying Examinations, enabling me to practice law in England and Wales
What kind of tasks do you complete on a typical day?
The most common tasks I complete involve drafting legal documents. Additionally, I undertake legal research, such as finding the judgment of a case and summarizing the key points of a law for a senior colleague to consider in a matter. Having just completed a contentious property seat, some of my other tasks have included determining who legally owns a piece of property, examining specific provisions in a lease, and understanding what they could mean for our client, as well as the options available to them. Furthermore, I assist with advancing court matters wherever possible, whether that involves drafting emails to send to the court or calling them for updates on a case.
What do you enjoy about your apprenticeship?
The most enjoyable part of my apprenticeship is that no two days are the same; even when the task may be the same, such as drafting a notice, the client and their specific information to be included will differ. It's a very dynamic role that has provided me with a lot of opportunities for professional and personal growth.
What are the challenges?
Balancing work with study, particularly during exam season, can be challenging due to pressures from both sides. Therefore, I take steps to stay organized and maintain open communication with my team. In situations where I would need extra time off for exams, especially during busy periods at the office, I make sure to communicate this well in advance.
How do you balance working with studying?
I make full use of the study days to ensure that I cover all the material and attend the lectures. Dentons provides apprentices with two study days off per exam, so I make sure to utilise these during the exam season to have more time for revision. If the module I'm studying is particularly challenging or content heavy, I also dedicate some time on the weekends to ensure that I fully understand all the information and am up to date.
Can you debunk a myth about working in law?
If you choose to become a solicitor in a commercial practice, such as corporate or banking law, you will rarely, if ever, find yourself in court. This is particularly true if you work in a transactional team because it is generally barristers who are instructed by solicitors to advocate in court when litigation arises. As a lawyer in a commercial firm, you can expect to spend most of your time in the office.
What are your career ambitions?
I would like the opportunity to work abroad, the sunnier the better! Dentons offers a variety of secondment opportunities across all levels so when I have more experience, I would like to apply for a variety of international opportunities to expand my knowledge on how different legal sectors and industries operate in different jurisdictions.
What advice can you give to other aspiring apprentices?
Do your research on each firm to ensure that you are applying to a law firm that practices the type of law you want to get into, there's a big difference between commercial and personal injury law! Secondly, I would recommend becoming familiar with each stage in the application process so you are as prepared as possible and can have enough time to cover your weaknesses and affirm your strengths.
What are you looking forward to over the next year of your apprenticeship?
I am going to corporate for my next seat, so I am looking forward to doing transactional work. It will be a change to the contentious work I have done for the last year, and I am looking forward to seeing how they differ.
Leila Roche - Apprentice
Why did you decide on a career in law?
The work experiences I did in year 12 were of great importance in choosing a career in law. I did various virtual work experiences, which allowed me to understand that law was a lot more diverse and interesting than it initially appears. I was really interested in green financing, international finance, arbitration and IP law modules during my work experiences. It made me realise that law looks towards the future, and closely interacts with commercial/societal change. Whether that be innovations in tech, medicine, science, or constitutional/political change – I find that aspect of the law really fascinating.
I also did an in person work experience for a couple of weeks in the legal team of a company. I was able to learn about the metaverse, technology advances, crypto, NFT's etc. and research the legal challenges these pose to both individuals and commercial entities. It was this that solidified my interest in both the academics and practice of commercial law and made me decide upon a legal career.
Why opt for an apprenticeship over other qualification routes?
I wanted to explore outside of the traditional university route, as I was keen to learn law academically whilst being able to apply it practically. I felt that this would better prepare me for becoming a lawyer in the future.
How did you find and apply for your apprenticeship?
Funny enough, it was my mum who found the solicitor apprenticeship when I was still in year 12. It was after that, that I started to research apprenticeships at different firms and get a clear picture of the types of firms I wanted to apply to – Dentons was actually the first firm I applied to, so I guess I have good intuition!
I applied for the apprenticeship at the start of year 13, alongside writing my personal statement and UCAS forms (as I also applied to universities).
Why did you choose that particular office location?
Dentons recruits Solicitor Apprentices to their London and Milton Keynes offices. I applied to the London office, as I wanted to be where I felt my role as an apprentice would be most dynamic. London is one of the most diverse cities globally. It is at the centre of commercial practice, societal change, and I think that reflects on a legal perspective too. I felt that especially in commercial law, the London office would allow me to experience the most dynamic, diverse and current legal work.
Tell us about your apprenticeship (length, structure, level, the qualification you’ll receive at the end etc)
The solicitor apprenticeship at Dentons is six years in duration. So, it is a commitment, but I think you'd be surprised at how quickly this time goes. Also, as it is a level 7 apprenticeship you will be qualifying as a solicitor at the end of it, (upon successful completion of all the academic components of the apprenticeship). By the time you complete the apprenticeship you will have an LLB Law degree and will have completed both parts of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE).
What kind of tasks do you complete on a typical day?
It varies – currently I'm in Real Estate, so a lot of the work revolves around dealing with the Land Registry, submitting applications to them, I regularly draft various documents/forms for property transactions. Sometimes tasks require me to do legal research, proofreading, or general document management. Other tasks involve me liaising with clients to explain queries raised by the Land Registry (requisitions).
How do you balance working with studying?
I think the best thing to do is ensure that you leave time to study and fulfill the academic components of the apprenticeship, alongside work and life commitments. For apprentices at Dentons, we have Monday as a reserved Study Day which I'm able to use to do all my university work for the week.
Can you debunk a myth about working in law?
That working in a law firm is boring.
I can genuinely tell you this isn't true - at least from my perspective. In my time here, I have gone clay-pigeon shooting, darts, afternoon tea's, sushi evenings, pizza nights … things I never would have done outside of the apprenticeship. There is so much to get involved with by way of socials and professional/apprentice network groups both internally and externally.
What advice can you give to other aspiring apprentices?
Research, Research, Research
There is so much out there for aspiring apprentices now, and that applies to most sectors. There are podcasts for aspiring apprentices, TikTok accounts from current apprentices who speak of their experiences of apprentice life, and LinkedIn is a great resource to connect with existing apprentices and other aspiring apprentices too. Many apprentices are happy to connect with aspiring apprentices on LinkedIn and answer questions that they may have.
Try to choose firms that align with what you want to get out of the apprenticeship. Are they international/regional? What specialisms/sectors do they have? How is the study/work balance? Do they have the right access requirements? – researching firms before applying will allow you to feel that you would enjoy working there.
Commercial Awareness
This is a good thing to develop for various apprenticeships, not just legal. It is good to understand how the commercial world works, and to show you understand this. This can be developed by keeping up to date with the news and thinking about how you can apply this to a commercial (and/or legal) practice. What opportunities/issues/queries/effects could they raise?
Be yourself
Ultimately, alongside having the required skills, qualifications, etc., interviewers are looking for someone that they think would be easy/enjoyable to work with. So, it is good to show your personality and interests in your application/interviews.
What are you looking forward to over the next year of your apprenticeship?
We have an upcoming seat change, in which apprentices/trainees change the departments they work in. I'm looking forward to exploring a new type of work in this new department, meeting new people, and learning new skills.
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