Lydia is a Law graduate from the University of Exeter. She secured a Trainee Solicitor role at Hill Dickinson in their Birmingham office through Bright Network. 
First, please tell us a little bit about yourself.
“In school, I was always drawn to understanding the political-economic climate and figuring out the "why" behind things. I soon realised that the law answered many of these questions. As I researched further, I discovered that being a solicitor would allow me to be inquisitive, solve complex problems, and work closely with people—all skills I enjoyed and felt confident in.
My early experience working in retail taught me that I loved interacting with people, but I also craved intellectual challenges, which made the law seem like an even better fit. Studying law at university felt like a natural next step, where I honed my interest in the commercial landscape through a range of modules. This confirmed my desire to become a solicitor in the business sector and led me to apply.”
What motivated you to apply for the role?
“I was motivated to apply to Hill Dickinson because I was seeking a firm where I could grow both professionally and personally, and I felt it was the perfect place for that. Firstly, I was impressed by the firm's first-class legal services and its strong presence in the industry. The drive for innovation within the firm really stood out to me, and I knew this would be an ideal environment to develop my skills alongside national and international specialists."
"What influenced me even more was the culture of the firm. It was clear that Hill Dickinson values collaboration over hierarchy and creates a welcoming environment where people can thrive. This was particularly evident on the assessment day, where I could see that the firm genuinely fosters personal growth."
"The sector-specific training contracts demonstrated that Hill Dickinson is genuinely committed to helping people grow in areas where they will excel. This focus on tailoring development to individual strengths reassured me that the firm is invested in its employees' success and personal growth.”
What was your application journey like?
“The application and assessment process can be daunting and stressful, but I found the Early Careers team at Hill Dickinson made it a welcoming experience from start to finish. The application process itself was straightforward and user-friendly, which helped ease some of the pressure. The online assessments were clearly explained and felt like a fair opportunity to showcase my skills, rather than just a Watson Glaser test.
When the assessment day arrived, I was pleasantly surprised by how comfortable we were made to feel. We were greeted with smiles and pastries, and the team did everything they could to help us relax. The assessments were diverse, and activities like the group exercises were genuinely enjoyable and engaging, rather than nerve-wracking.
Overall, the team’s welcoming approach and the valuable feedback they provided made the entire process not only manageable but actually enjoyable!”
What have you learned from going through the process?
“I learned the importance of considering how you feel throughout the application process, as it reflects a lot about the firm’s values and culture. For me, this experience highlighted the firm’s commitment to fostering a positive atmosphere, even during assessments.”
How did Bright Network help you secure your role?
“Bright Network provided valuable information that guided me throughout the application and interview process. This information helped me make an informed decision about which firm would be the best fit for me.”
What are you most proud of about your journey?
“I’m most proud of the resilience I demonstrated throughout the application process. Chatting with friends going through similar applications, it’s clear how easy it is to underestimate just how tough the process can be.
From juggling university work with writing applications to spending hours on assessments, staying resilient is key. Despite these hurdles, I remained committed and, in the end, secured a role with a firm that really aligns with my values and offers an environment where I can grow and thrive. It might sound cliché, but in the end, all the hard work was worth it!”
What are your tips for people looking to follow in your footsteps?
“My biggest tip for anyone is to find a firm that genuinely aligns with who you are as a person. Take the time to research—firm websites often provide valuable insights into their culture, the work they do, and their overall ethos. It’s important to truly understand the firm and see if it’s the right fit for you so read their articles and news reports to see if their work interests you."
"Also, make use of platforms like Bright Network, which offer useful resources, tips, and guidance to support your application process. They offer a wealth of resources that can really support your application process. From firm insights and industry guides to tips on interviews and assessments, these resources can give you a clearer understanding of what firms are looking for and can help relieve interview stress."
"On a personal level, remember to believe in yourself. The process can be tough, and you might face a lot of rejections, but each one is a stepping stone toward finding the firm that suits you best. The right opportunity will come along, and the rejections will just be practice for when that happens.”
Tell us about the future. What’s next?
“I’m really excited to begin my legal career and start applying my knowledge in a more practical way than I did at university. I’m looking forward to starting the SQE and further refining my legal skills.
This is an exciting stage in my life as I embark on my career, and I’m eager to meet and grow alongside my cohort of trainees. I’m especially looking forward to working with clients and learning from my more experienced colleagues, continually developing and deepening my understanding of the sector.”
Find insight schemes, graduate jobs, training contracts and more at Bright Network.
