Scarlett is a Law graduate from the University of Liverpool. She secured a Trainee Solicitor role at Hill Dickinson in Liverpool. 
First, please tell us a little bit about yourself!
“My earliest memory of wanting a career in law was wanting to be a police officer, as I thought they were cool and loved following rules. At 14, I took part in my first Mock Trial Competition. We got through to the regional rounds, and I won the best legal advisor award. From that day forward, I was sure I wanted a career in law.
I loved contract law in my first year and after studying business throughout secondary school, I had a good understanding of what it meant to be commercially aware. During my year abroad in Bologna, Italy, I was able to study a mixture of law and business modules. I did this with the aim that good knowledge of how a business works and is successful, would one day be beneficial to my clients and their business needs.
I’m a big people person and I knew a career in law meant I would encounter people from all walks of life and hopefully make a positive impact for them. I’m also a huge rugby fan, I’ve been a player, coach and referee, only further enhancing my love for rules… and sometimes breaking them, whilst playing! So I’m hoping in the future I can get involved with some areas of sports law.”
What motivated you to apply for your role?
“I attended the Insight Scheme at Hill Dickinson twice before being successful in securing a training contract. After studying abroad, I knew I wanted to work for an international law firm and after studying in Liverpool I knew I wanted to stay.
Hill Dickinson ticked so many important boxes for me. The prestige of the firm combined with its strong EDI initiatives really encouraged me that it would be a good fit.”
What was the application process for Hill Dickinson like?
“I found the application process at Hill Dickinson really great and engaging! The firm offered Open Days early in the year which great insights into what would be useful during the application.
The second stage was a scenario based online assessment, with no Watson Glaser test which was really promising. The assessment is designed to discover your areas of strengths and weaknesses presented by how you would react to different scenarios.
The final stage for me was the two-day insight scheme, followed by the assessment day. Both the scheme and the final day were run so smoothly. I felt really welcomed by the firm and they made sure we were all well looked after. Everyone was so friendly and encouraging, which made the final stage really empowering!”
How did you prepare for your applications?
“I signed up for the platform GROW Mentoring and was partnered with a paralegal, who had secured at training contract in the same city as me.
My mentor Annie, helped me to prepare for all the stages, proofread my application and gave so much advice and guidance on the process.
Her support and encouragement gave me a lot of confidence and made me feel secure going into the assessment day.”
What are you most proud of about your journey?
“Although it may sound cliche, I am most proud of going to university and doing a year abroad. I am the first in my family to go to university and living abroad for a year presented so many new challenges I had never faced before.
My year in Italy, gave me so many skills but ones I’m particularly proud of are my resilience and my ability to quickly adapt to new situations. Whether that be learning Italian or navigating travel in a new country, it’s one of my proudest achievements!”
What are your tips for people looking to follow in your footsteps?
“The best advice I received was that all experience is good experience! Whether that be a part time job, volunteering, a hobby or travel, it’s all valuable and contributes to your skill set and attributes.
I would really recommend attending open days particularly when you know that law firms you’re interested in will be there. Get as much information as you can it will really help to prepare for your applications, and help you decide if the firm is a right fit for you!”
Tell us about the future. What’s next?
“I’m really looking forward to starting my training contract with Hill Dickinson.
Next year I will be studying for my SQE1 and I’m excited to be going back to university to do this. I am excited to join the firm and particularly to get involved with all the initiatives and trainee events!”
Find insight schemes, graduate jobs, training contracts and more at Bright Network.
