Thomas Chiffers
My name is Tom and I am a trainee in the Clarke Willmott Bristol office. I am currently working in the corporate department and my previous seats were in private property and agriculture and private client and agricultural litigation. I studied Law with Politics at Keele University and joined Clarke Willmott three and a half years ago, as a paralegal in the private client department.
To find out more about about my experience with Clarke Willmott, click on the questions below:
- Q. Why I chose Clarke Willmott
- Q. What I've found Clarke Willmott to be like since starting
- Q. How I was supported as a new trainee
- Q. How I see my career progressing
- Q. Why someone should choose Clarke Willmott
Name and background
My name is Tom and I am a trainee in the Clarke Willmott Bristol office. I am currently working in the corporate department and my previous seats were in private property and agriculture and private client and agricultural litigation. I studied Law with Politics at Keele University and joined Clarke Willmott three and a half years ago, as a paralegal in the private client department.
Why I chose Clarke Willmott
I joined Clarke Willmott for a number of different reasons. The firm is large enough to offer me a lot of options during my training contract and also opportunities when I qualify and beyond. I chose Clarke Willmott because it's an ambitious firm that has a clear vision of where it wants to be in the future and, just as importantly, how it wants to get there. Unlike other firms, Clarke Willmott is totally client led. The firm is focused on delivering an excellent service that is tailored to its particular client needs.
What I’ve found Clarke Willmott to be like since starting
Since joining Clarke Willmott I have been made to feel very welcome and that I am an important member of the firm. I have found them to be pragmatic, inclusive and supportive. Clarke Willmott has a good social side and I have made a lot of friends here. I think that the firm appreciates that there is more to a workplace than what happens in the office and lots of social events are organised throughout the year and there are a number of different sports teams.
How I was supported as a new trainee
I was, and continue to be given, a lot of support as a trainee. On a day to day basis my supervisor, team manager and other colleagues are always on hand to offer help and guidance. I enjoy working in an open plan office as I think it helps me to learn and integrate with the rest of the team. I have mid and end of seat appraisals with my supervisor. At these I am able to set my goals and targets for the particular seat and get feedback on my progress. At a firm-wide level, there is a clear support network with HR and the team managers taking trainees through each seat towards qualification.
How I see my career progressing
I am positive about my career progressing well within Clarke Willmott. I am at the stage of my training contract when I need to consider which area of law I would like to qualify into. The firm has a good record of retaining trainees and I am confident that if there is a position available, it will be the right choice for me. Clarke Willmott appreciates that qualification is simply the next stage in my development and will offer me the right blend of supervision and responsibility when I qualify. They also reward people who are talented, innovative, commercially minded and work hard.
Why someone should choose Clarke Willmott
I think you should choose Clarke Willmott as it is a firm that rewards people and ideas that are innovative and creative. As a trainee you will be given the right amount of freedom, responsibility and support. You will also be challenged but you will be given a good legal and commercial education to set you in good stead for the rest of your career.