Take a seat: the Ashfords trainee podcast

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What is it like to train at Ashfords? Join us as we explore trainee life in different seats across the firm. Each episode offers a deep dive into the work you can expect to get involved with, the team dynamics, and the opportunity to hear directly from our people as they discuss their journeys to qualification and career highlights. We'll also discuss top tips for current and future trainees and how to get the most out of their training contracts.

Episodes

  1. JAN 29

    Episode 3: What to expect from the SQE

    In the third episode of Take a Seat, Bella is joined by Alice Payne and Peter Liver from the College of Legal Practice to discuss what trainee solicitors can expect from the SQE. Bella, Alice and Peter provide an overview of the SQE and what it entails, and offer advice for graduates or trainee solicitors who are going through this process. The discussion explains the different pathways that are available, the challenges and benefits of the SQE, and the support that is available throughout the course.Applications for 2028 training contracts at Ashfords are now open! Find out more about training at the firm here: https://www.ashfords.co.uk/careers/ea...Submit your applications here: https://ashfords.app.candidats.io/roles⁠

    50 min
  2. Episode 2: What to expect from a seat in real estate

    12/18/2025

    Episode 2: What to expect from a seat in real estate

    In the second episode of Take a Seat, Bella is joined by partners Robin de Wreede and Simon Bailey to discuss what trainee solicitors can expect from a seat in our real estate team. Real estate is our largest division at Ashfords, and with that comes a wide variety of work which touches on commercial development, retail, energy projects, the public sector and more. Robin and Simon explain how trainees feed into this work and are gradually built up to take on more responsibility as they progress in this seat. They also reflect on some of the most interesting cases they have had the opportunity of working on. More broadly, Bella, Robin and Simon explore the value of working in an open-plan office and learning from those around you, and they offer tips on getting the most out of your training contract. Applications for 2028 training contracts at Ashfords are now open! Find out more about training at the firm here: https://www.ashfords.co.uk/careers/early-careers/trainee-opportunities Submit your applications here: https://ashfords.app.candidats.io/roles⁠

    48 min
  3. Episode 1: What to expect from a seat in commercial disputes

    11/27/2025

    Episode 1: What to expect from a seat in commercial disputes

    In our first episode, host Bella Gartside is joined by partners Anusheh Burcher and Liam Tolen from our commercial disputes team. Together, they discuss the variety of work you can get involved within this seat, striking a balance between contentious and non-contentious seats, and the value of non-legal work experience when applying for training contracts. We also hear about their most memorable cases and their contrasting journeys to becoming partners at Ashfords. Applications for 2028 training contracts are now open! Find out more and apply here: https://ashfords.app.candidats.io/roles

    41 min
  • 3 Episodes

About

What is it like to train at Ashfords? Join us as we explore trainee life in different seats across the firm. Each episode offers a deep dive into the work you can expect to get involved with, the team dynamics, and the opportunity to hear directly from our people as they discuss their journeys to qualification and career highlights. We'll also discuss top tips for current and future trainees and how to get the most out of their training contracts.

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