Meet Lorraine | Trainee at Watson, Farley & Williams

I grew up in Croydon in South London and studied at a local grammar school. I then went on to study Politics and International Relations at the University of Warwick, where I decided to pursue a career in Law. I studied the PGDL and LPC at BPP University in London and then joined WFW as a Trainee Solicitor last year.

I am a Trainee Solicitor, currently seconded to the Dispute Resolution team in WFW’s Singapore office. I started at the firm in September 2023 and have completed seats in Real Estate and Assets & Structured Finance.

My inspiration to become a trainee at WFW stemmed from their renowned expertise in sectors which aligned with key areas of interest for me – namely energy and infrastructure. The firm’s international presence and reputation for delivering innovative legal solutions on complex, cross-border transactions further fuelled my desire to join.

I was also drawn to the firm’s commitment to fostering a collaborative and supportive environment for trainees, where I could develop my legal skills while meaningfully contributing to high-profile projects.

I would say the most important thing I’ve learned is the significance of effective communication as a trainee. Clear and concise communication is essential in conveying legal advice to clients, but also when collaborating with colleagues and managing the expectations of senior lawyers.

Whether drafting emails, negotiating terms or presenting arguments – the ability to articulate ideas/information accurately and persuasively has been crucial in maintaining professional relationships and establishing trust amongst colleagues.

I am currently on secondment in the Singapore office, so on a ‘normal’ day I commute to the office and make a list of the tasks I need to complete for the day. Whilst in the Disputes team, my most common tasks have been drafting statements of claim, preparing client presentations and reviewing documents for disclosure.

I find the interplay between law and politics particularly interesting. The way political decisions and regulatory developments directly impact business practices, and in turn the commercial transactions we’re involved in, is fascinating to me. Being able to see first-hand how shifts in the political climate influence legal frameworks and, in turn, affect the commercial landscape has been super interesting.

I would say the culture at WFW is characterised by a collaborative and inclusive environment, where teamwork and mutual support are highly valued. Although as trainees we are significant responsibility early on, the collegiate atmosphere at the firm means you are never left without guidance. The firm also fosters a culture that balances hard work with a commitment to work-life balance, creating a positive and supportive atmosphere for all.

As a black woman from a working-class background, diversity was one of my primary considerations when applying for training contracts. The firm promotes a diverse workforce through its affinity networks, such as those for women, the LGBTQ+ community and ethnic minorities. The firm is also involved in pro bono work which focuses on social justice and mobility.

I have two main tips. Firstly, make sure you have an understanding of the firm’s sector focus and tailor your application to highlight any relevant experience or interest in these areas. Secondly, reach out to WFW employees for further insight into the culture of the firm and the work we do – this will help display your understanding of what we do, and act as an important networking opportunity.