Name: Jane Rapin
Job Title: Trainee solicitor
University attended: Sheffield Hallam University
Degree obtained: LLB (Hons) (2.1)
Age: 36 years

Jane Rapin joined Weightmans in September 2002. Jane was a mature student who had had a varied career prior to going to university to read law in 1997.

Finding the right firm

After graduating I had a year out and thought about the type of firm I wanted to work in. They had to be open, honest, friendly, approachable and professional, with more than one office and a strong reputation. I also wanted hands-on work and real responsibility. I worked my way through the student publications and also used the Internet. Initially I listed about 12 firms, but I wanted to narrow it down to only three. My applications had to be just right, so this meant only applying to those that I was really interested in.

When I enrolled on the Legal Practice Course at College of Law, York, I was sent details of a recruitment fair in Birmingham. It’s a good way to get a feel for a firm. This was an ideal opportunity to meet the people I would be working with, and I knew it would help me to choose my top three. It was here that I met Weightmans. I knew when I left their stand that day that they were the firm for me. I spent a whole week completing the application form. I cannot stress enough just how important research about your chosen firm is – don’t just save it for the interview, make sure you include it in your application.

Assessment process

I was invited for a first interview. I had prepared so well for this day, I felt as though I knew as much about the firm as it was possible to know without actually working there. I was interviewed by a senior partner and although I was nervous he very quickly put me at ease. I was just myself, warts and all. Whilst I waited in reception, the receptionist chatted to me about the firm and her role - another indicator that Weightmans employ friendly, outgoing people. Next came the assessment centre. This was a full day of team, written and individual exercises. I remember I thought I’d made an awful mess of the first presentation, but I knew I had to put it behind me and make sure the rest of the day went well. I really enjoyed myself, and I think that was the key. I obviously had done better than I thought because I received an offer. Fantastic!

Life at Weightmans as a trainee

Having experienced different parts of the firm, I’m now in my fourth seat, Employment, and I love it. It’s dynamic, fluid and it’s about real people. This is where I intend to qualify. All of my seats have given me great experience – here are some examples:

• sitting behind Counsel at Royal Courts of Justice in an application for Judicial Review that we were opposing on behalf of a major client
• taking witness statements in an Employment matter
• drafting a defence to a road traffic accident claim
• running my own cases and ensuring I complied with Civil Procedure Rules
• conducting a telephone hearing in an employer liability claim
• making a presentation to the team on a recent Employment case

With Weightmans you get real work – not just photocopying – contact with clients and as much responsibility as you can handle. I feel I am a valued member of the firm.

Career progression

Weightmans actively encourage their trainees to do well. If you are keen and show interest in a particular area they will give you the chance to shine. They invest in your training, safe in the knowledge that you will want to stay on past qualification.

Weightmans’ trainees are the Partners of the future.