Nicole W

Profile:

I graduated from the University of York with a History degree in 2018 and I completed my GDL at BPP the following year.

I started applying for vacation schemes at the beginning of my final year. However, I had little success with no knowledge about the legal industry and no contacts. This changed after I came across Aspiring Solicitors’ website at the end of my final year. I successfully applied to Aspire and began the programme after I graduated.

Through Aspire I attended a dozen open days and commercial awareness events while working full time. The programme was influential in helping me to access law firms and build my network. It also helped me to strengthen my commercial awareness, having had no idea what it was before Aspire.

Over this period I narrowed down the type of firms that I wanted to apply to using knowledge I gained from AS. I wanted Magic Circle quality work but with a smaller trainee intake for greater responsibility. Therefore, I targeted top US firms and received two vacation scheme offers. Subsequently, I was fortunate enough to receive a training contract offer from Weil after completing their vacation scheme.

Diversity in the workplace is essential for many individuals to excel both professionally and personally. I believe that an individual’s background should not prevent them from achieving their goals. I encourage diverse individuals to see their differences as strengths and to make the most out of organisations like AS.

The guidance I received along the way was instrumental to my success in the application process; I am keen to do the same for others. Please do not hesitate to get in touch!

Back To Mentor Profiles