Meet our trainees

My journey with Penningtons Manches Cooper began with the Aspiring Solicitors coaching programme. As I made my way through the application process, I was impressed with how committed the firm was to providing a well-rounded but exciting training environment. I was also looking for a firm that would welcome my entrepreneurial spirit and value the experience I had gained during my previous career managing a recruitment business. The firm supports agile working and its buddy system ensures you always have colleagues you can call upon for help during your training. The EMpower and Pennclusion programmes are a strong testament to its emphasis on diversity, equality and inclusion and I’m looking forward to supporting these initiatives as much as I can.

Penningtons Manches Cooper stood out to me when I was looking into firms that mirrored my values and offered a trainee culture which prioritised development and early responsibility. During several conversations I had with both internal and external contacts, it became increasingly clear just how much the firm focuses on quality training, partner approachability and maintaining a work-life balance. I knew that Penningtons and I would be a good fit! I also identified with the firm’s focus on CSR, in particular its efforts to reach net-zero. As a fervent advocate for this cause, I am particularly proud to work for an organisation which has truly embedded this mission into its business strategy.

Before deciding to change careers and become a lawyer, I reached out to others who had done the same. I spoke to two inspirational people at Penningtons Manches Cooper about their career-change journey and experience of training at PMC. It was obvious that they had been fully supported and welcomed into the firm, and importantly their diverse backgrounds and experience had been appreciated. I was reassured that rather than sticking out for being different, that when it comes to PMC there is really is no such thing as a ‘typical’ trainee. From day one I have been doing client-facing work that I’ve found both challenging and interesting. I have particularly loved working with colleagues from different practice areas and offices – there is a really strong culture of collaboration and lots of internal initiatives such as the Sports and Social Committees or PennFuture events to help you build up your internal networks (whilst having fun at the same time!).

When I joined Penningtons Manches Cooper as a knowledge paralegal, the firm’s welcoming culture made an immediate impression. Since then, everyone I have met has been friendly and approachable. In terms of work, the wide range of seats to choose from was a particular benefit. As a paralegal, the high level of responsibility I have been given has been helpful for my overall development, and this has also been emphasised to me by trainees and associates. There is scope to get involved with numerous committees and groups, which I have enjoyed as they align with my personal interests. For example, I am an active member of the firm’s pro bono and social mobility committees and have recently started contributing to the retail team’s monthly fashion, luxury, and lifestyle news aggregator.