Lisa Jones

1st year trainee solicitor

Law , University of Durham

I studied Law at Durham University before completing the LPC.

I spent two weeks with the firm as part of a summer vacation scheme. These two weeks confirmed that RPC was the right firm for me because the people are friendly, the practice areas are varied and there is interesting and challenging work available for people at every level of experience. It was also obvious that the firm is focused on constantly moving forward and developing.

As a first year trainee I have found that everyone is interested in making sure you learn as you progress through your training contract. People are happy to spend time with you explaining what work they are doing and how they would like you to be involved. Being in an open plan office makes it much easier to ask questions and you get an idea of the work that everyone else is doing across your department.

My first seat has been in the property and casualty risks group. This is an insurance litigation seat covering a huge range of work so there are lots of opportunities as a trainee to do work within different specialisms. There has been a progression in the responsibility I have been given, as well as the amount of direct client contact I receive. I have been involved with instructing experts, updating clients on the progress of their case as well as completing and filing court forms.

I have also attended social events hosted by RPC for our clients, including afternoon tea and a private film showing. These events have been great opportunities for me to meet with the people I have been working for within my department.

As well as attending social events hosted for clients, there are lots of social activities within the firm to get involved with, such as opportunities to take part in charitable volunteering, sport teams and impromptu trainee nights out!