Q&A: Being a Trainee and beyond at Spencer West
Q: Did you find Spencer West to be a flexible and supportive environment as a trainee?
Bryony: Absolutely. Juggling my training contract and my LPC meant I needed to take time off to revise, which Spencer West readily accommodated. Their understanding and support were crucial to my success, especially during personal challenges like the loss of family members. The firm’s flexibility, especially during the constraints of the pandemic, was truly appreciated. They’re just really supportive of your welfare and I was really grateful that Spencer West is such an open and flexible firm when I was going through those difficult times.
Becca: Definitely. Spencer West is a place that’s very flexible and supportive. Last year, during my training contract, I had to attend a wedding in Asia at the end of November, but I also planned to go home for Christmas in December. I was allowed to work remotely for two months, despite the significant time difference, it worked out very well. I really appreciated the support and understanding.
Q: What factors influenced your decision to stay at Spencer West after completing your training contract?
Bryony: The Partners! The Partners were just so incredible I couldn’t think of anywhere else I’d want to work. Their unwavering support and the positive work culture set by our Co-Founders and leadership team made Spencer West feel like the right fit. There’s a real culture of support at Spencer West and I think that comes down from the top. Sim and Antoine have created an environment where you feel valued and supported, and they lead by example.
Becca: The reason is the Partners and the nice colleagues you have here. Working closely with Partners as a junior is invaluable, and Spencer West fosters this collaborative atmosphere exceptionally well. The emphasis on mutual growth and understanding, especially as I navigated the transition from trainee to qualified lawyer, made staying at Spencer West an easy choice.
Q: How does Spencer West encourage you to pursue various interests and specialities within the legal field?
Bryony: I’m super lucky that I’ve been able to explore areas beyond my primary focus in employment law, such as private client work. The firm has also been supportive of my aspirations for a PhD, with my supervisor actively offering to assist in my plans for further education, so I know that I can continue to progress and keep learning within the firm.
Becca: I have recently qualified. Spencer West continues to support my professional development. The firm ensures I have the resources to pursue my interests and specialties.
Q: Can you share any advice for future trainees considering a career at Spencer West or in the legal profession more broadly?
Bryony: Approach your training with an open mind. Be ready to explore various fields and take every opportunity to learn. Building relationships and being proactive in seeking mentorship will greatly enhance your experience. Come in willing to help, because a lot of the training happens outside of structured moments, and if you’re not willing to put the face time in and to be involved and be part of the team, you’re going to miss out on those organic opportunities to learn and those can’t be recreated. You’re starting from the bottom so just sort of come in knowing that everything is up from here; you’re going to learn, you’re going to expand and you’re going to grow.
Becca: Being open minded and proactive are definitely the key. Stay open to new experiences and don’t hesitate to express your interests. Whether it’s exploring different practice areas or seeking guidance from Partners, you just need to ask. Always ask. Being proactive can lead to unexpected and fulfilling paths in your legal career. As I discovered, trying different specialties can unveil hidden passions and shape your professional journey. You never know unless you try!
