Trainee Solicitor career progression journey

We’re thrilled to continue our blog series celebrating the incredible journeys of our colleagues and the many ways careers can flourish within our firm. 

In this blog we are sharing Jennie Laurence’s journey as a Trainee Solicitor.   

Thank you Jennie for sharing your career progression journey for others to read. 

Background & How I got Into a Career in Law 

From an early age, I remember having a keen interest in properties and land. This curiosity inspired me to explore careers such as estate agency and surveying, both of which I found particularly appealing. 

While exploring these options, I came across the term conveyancing for the first time. Intrigued, I began researching property law and how to qualify as a conveyancer. One suggested route was completing a law degree and then qualifying as a property solicitor. 

That idea really appealed to me because it offered flexibility: I could keep my options open, explore different areas of law, and avoid committing too early to a career that might feel limiting later on. So, I decided to pursue a law degree. 

After finishing my law degree in May 2023, I knew I wanted to remain close to home. So, I began researching law firms in my local area. Crombie Wilkinson immediately stood out to me as a friendly and community focused firm, so I sent an enquiry into the website page asking for some work experience. I later got a call to say they had a position available assisting over the summer. I was thrilled and began working shortly after in the Family department.  

I was returning to university in September 2023 to complete my LPC. During the summer, I kept in regular contact with HR and expressed that, although I needed to begin studying soon, I was very keen to continue working with the firm if a permanent position became available. Shortly afterwards, a role opened in the Private Client Department, and I was offered a permanent part-time assistant position alongside my studies. This was an excellent opportunity as it allowed me to gain practical experience while working towards qualification. 

It was invaluable to understand how the firm is structured for support staff, and I quickly learnt that strong organisation is essential. I also discovered the importance of collaboration and citizenship, being able to rely on team members and feeling confident to double-check or ask questions when I was unsure was key to working effectively. 

Training Contract 

A few months later, Crombie Wilkinson began advertising for their next intake of Trainee Solicitors. I shared my interest with my supervisors and HR and was genuinely encouraged to apply, despite feeling unsure whether I was ready. To my delight, I successfully progressed through the assessment centre and received support throughout the process. I was thrilled to be offered a training contract and commenced my role as a trainee in September 2024. So far, I have worked in the Residential Property Team, the Commercial Property Team and the Dispute Resolution Team. I am now due to qualify in September 2026 and feel incredibly grateful for how rewarding the entire experience has been. 

Highlights of my Training Contract so far 

I have truly valued the opportunity to make my own decisions and contribute suggestions as a trainee, as this enables me to deliver a professional experience for clients while preparing me for qualification. My opinion on matters has felt valued by every team I have worked in, which has improved my confidence over time too. Experiencing a seat outside the property sector has also been helpful, as it has given me a more well-rounded understanding of different areas of law, exactly what the training contract is designed to achieve. 

Challenges of my Training Contract so far 

The biggest challenge I’ve faced has been overcoming imposter syndrome. I sometimes found myself doubting my abilities, feeling unqualified to share my opinion and worrying that my suggestions might be completely wrong. I have had to remind myself that this is a learning process, and that is exactly what the training period is for. Leaning on colleagues and fellow trainees has been invaluable in helping me overcome these feelings, as I have realised I am not alone and that feeling this way can be an extremely common experience in this profession. 

Looking Ahead 

My aspiration is to build a career where I provide clear, reliable and thoughtful legal advice, and where clients feel fully supported throughout their journey. 

I am committed to developing my career within a firm that supports growth and delivers a transparent, value driven service, where clients feel confident that their matters are handled with integrity and care. 

I am genuinely proud of how my career has progressed at Crombie Wilkinson. Each time I have sought guidance on my development, I have been met with encouragement and support, which has strengthened my confidence even during moments of self doubt.  

Remaining open minded throughout my journey has allowed me to grow both personally and professionally, and I feel excited about my future with the firm. I look forward to seeing where I progress next and reflecting on how much I have learnt over the past few years with Crombie Wilkinson’s support.