Zoe Burcombe, James Privett and Katelyn Webster were the first to join Frettens’ all new Graduate Scheme and are completing their first year.
In that year, they worked as Graduate Legal Assistants in our Conveyancing, Commercial Property and Family Teams respectively.
Soon they’ll move on to the second year, where they’ll work as trainees whilst completing the SQE.
In this article, Zoe, James and Katelyn discuss their experiences with the graduate scheme at Frettens and answer any questions you might have.
How was your first year?
James Privett said: “My first year has been a great experience. I’ve learnt a huge amount of valuable information and I’ve had an incredibly supportive team around me who have been there to help every step of the way.”
What was it like coming from Bournemouth University?
James is a recent graduate of Bournemouth University, where many of our younger hires have come from.
“It was quite a change coming in from university. I thought the transition from making your own timetable to 9-5 would be difficult, but it has been really smooth. Frettens have been accommodating and have made sure that I’m enjoying myself here.
What’s your role like?
James continues: “I came here as a legal secretary in the commercial property department doing a variety of administrative tasks.
Since then, I’ve made a lot of progression and my team have helped me to take on more responsibility. Now I’m moving onto being more of a legal assistant.”
What’s it like working at Frettens?
Katelyn Webster, who’s currently working as a Legal Secretary in our Family Department, said: “Frettens aren’t intimidating, stuffy and corporate; like you might expect from the average law firm. They are modern, supportive and provide a really friendly environment to work in.
There’s a good balance of age groups here, and everyone is from different walks of life. I love that everyone is here to support you, even if you’re in a different department, no matter how big or small the question is.
What are the staff events like?
“There are lots of staff events and get-togethers” says Katelyn.
“Everyone looks forward to the bigger events like the Summer and Christmas Parties, but there’s also smaller, regular events like first Friday drinks which are lovely. Not to mention the charity volunteering that Frettens get involved in, those events are very rewarding.”
Why did you choose the graduate scheme and not the LPC?
Zoe Burcombe works as a Paralegal in our Conveyancing Department, and actually considered the LPC before deciding on the SQE.
“I chose the LPC before I knew that the graduate scheme was available, but I’m so glad that I changed my mind – the graduate scheme at Frettens has so many more advantages!