What our Trainees say - Solicitors in Exeter, Devon

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What our Trainees say  

Here you will find a snapshot of quotes from our past and present Trainees as they have progressed through their training contracts with the firm. 

Tom Sampford (2008-2010)

First Seat - PI Travel - February 2009

"During my time in Travel PI I have had the opportunity to work on numerous files and I am pleased with the development I have made.   One of the things that I have particularly enjoyed is the diversity of the work that I have been able to undertake."

Second & Third Seat - Litigation - August 2009 - August 2010

"My current seat is Commercial Litigation and I am thoroughly enjoying it. I was immediately encouraged to play an active role in files and this has enabled me to experience many different aspects of Litigation. I have attended court for a number of hearings, I have attended conferences with Counsel and meetings with clients. I have been involved in without prejudice negotiations on large disputes and prepared witness statements and other court documents on large cases."

Joanna Webb (2008-2010)

First Seat - Family - February 2009

"Family has been an excellent department in which to begin my time at Stones and given that it is such a large area of the law has meant that there have been plenty of opportunities to stretch and develop my legal knowledge and experience"

Second Seat - Wills Trusts & Probate - August 2009

"I have enjoyed having my own caseload to work on, seeing some matters through from start to finish during my time in the department.  The balance between desk-based tasks and client contact has been great.  Although Trust and Probate is a busy area of law I have found that it is possible to structure my time quite well.  That said, each day gives rise to plenty of new challenges and it is essential to be flexible and organised!"

Third Seat - Commercial Property - February 2010

"I have thoroughly enjoyed working in one of the firm’s commercial departments during my third seat.  My workload in commercial property has been varied and challenging and has included drafting leases, contracts and related property documentation; negotiating and liaising with clients, other legal professionals and related parties; and assisting with exchanges and completions.   I have been responsible for a number of clients’ transactions and for ensuring that matters are up to date and move forward accordingly.  I am proud of the development I have noticed in my legal skills during this seat as a result of being given a structured training programme by my Supervisor."

Fourth Seat – Travel, Tourism and Insurance – July 2010

I have spent my fourth seat with the busy Travel, Tourism and Insurance Team which has been a challenging and rewarding experience.  I have assisted with a great deal of varied and interesting UK and international insurance related claims.  I was welcomed into the Team from the outset and have been involved assisting each member in the Department with their respective matters.  My supervisor has been very supportive and has given me direction and guidance in developing my litigation skills over the course of the time I have spent here. 

My workload has included the drafting of statements and letters of claim, preparation of quantum and liability reports, assessing out of pocket expenses and loss of earnings claims, liaising with insurers and overseas agents, updating and advising clients to ensure strong communication links are maintained, undertaking legal research, and attending conferences with barristers and experts to advise on matters in relation to court proceedings.  I have also been given the opportunity to use my language skills for translation purposes and liaising with police, hospitals, hotels and ski resorts.

Nicola Janus-Harris (2008-2010)

First Seat - Commercial Property - February 2009

"Commercial Property really surprised me as I thought it would be a fairly routine area of work but actually it is really varied.   I have been fortunate to have a supervisor who is very approachable and who takes a real interest in my training."

Second Seat - Family - August 2009

"Each day is so different and matters can move so quickly so you have to be able to respond to situations on short notice. A typical day will involve telephoning clients to give them updates on their cases, drafting applications and supporting statements and meeting with new clients to take initial instructions. I particularly enjoy the opportunity of attending court applications and hearings"

Third Seat - Wills Trust & Probate  - March 2010

"I have just completed my third seat, in the Trusts & Probate Department. I have been involved with a variety of work including drafting Wills, dealing with Probate files and making applications to the Court of Protection. I have had the opportunity of meeting with clients to take initial instructions and have been able to observe meetings dealing with estate and tax planning. I have enjoyed the continuity of working on the same files and have been given responsibility for my own caseload."

Fourth Seat - Commercial Property - July 2010

I have returned to the Commercial Property department to complete my training contract. I have been involved with the acquisitions and disposals of freehold and leasehold properties. I have also had the chance to be actively involved with large scale projects such as company restructuring, refinancing and the property element of business purchases. I have enjoyed working with a number of clients who are undertaking new commercial ventures but have also had the chance to work on files for long established commercial clients.

Sam Reid (2009-2011)

First Seat - Travel, Tourism and Insurance - March 2010

"I was given a great deal of responsibility and autonomy from a very early stage and  I found that the extensive client contact in the seat provided an extremely useful platform to learn what the clients want from their advisor, to build rapport with clients and to help them in what are often quite horrendous circumstances.   I found the cross-jurisdictional nature of the seat enjoyable, and was particularly interested in deciphering the complex issues surrounding subrogated recoveries connected to many of the claims the team undertakes.   II found the PI Travel team to be close, energetic and dedicated to the work it carries out. The level at which the team works is truly inspirational." 

Ian Brown (2007-2009)

Third Seat - P.I Travel - September 2008

"If I had to pinpoint one aspect of Stones that I like the most, it would be the straightforward and honest attitude that permeates the firm. I know that should I ever have a concern with my training, I am able to approach the Partner who is responsible for the trainees. She trained here herself and knows the way the firm works and this allows me to discuss matters openly and frankly."

Ian qualified in 2009 and is now a Solicitor in our PI Travel team