From Trainee to Commercial Solicitor: My Legal Journey as a Trainee Solicitor

August 18, 2025

Life as a trainee solicitor is anything but predictable – and that’s exactly what makes it so rewarding. Each seat offers its own challenges, personalities, and steep learning curves. For me, completing seats in family law, real estate, and now qualifying into commercial law has not only broadened my skill set, but shaped my perspective on what it means to be a truly well-rounded solicitor.

Family Law: People Before Process

My first seat was in family law, a department that quickly teaches you that law isn’t just about statutes – it’s about people. The matters were deeply personal, such as divorce, child arrangements, domestic abuse, and financial remedies. I found myself stepping into emotionally charged environments where sensitivity and clarity were just as important as technical ability.

It was here I learned how to build relationships with clients during some of their most difficult moments. Drafting witness statements, sitting in on client meetings, and attending court were formative experiences. I saw first-hand how vital strong communication is, and while emotionally challenging at times, family law left me with greater emotional intelligence and resilience than I expected to develop in such a short time.

Real Estate: Detail, Precision, and Pace

The shift from family law to real estate was quite the change. Suddenly, the emphasis was on timelines, contracts, and the mechanics of deals. From land acquisitions to commercial leases, my day-to-day revolved around reviewing title documents, drafting contracts, and liaising with agents and counterparties.

Real estate taught me the importance of precision and being proactive. Deals move quickly, and having a keen eye for detail is non-negotiable. I appreciated how structured and transactional the work was – every document served a purpose, and deadlines drove progress. Working with developers also helped me understand commercial drivers behind legal decisions, laying the groundwork for my next seat.

Commercial Law: Where I’m Headed

I’m currently in my final seat in commercial law, soon to qualify in September, and this is where everything seems to be coming together. It’s strategic, intellectually challenging, and endlessly varied. One day I might be drafting supplier contracts or terms and conditions; the next, advising on data protection or cross-border distribution networks.

What I love most about commercial law is the blend of legal precision with business insight. Understanding the client’s goals is key to delivering value; and engaging with them early in their business lifecycle makes the work feel like partnership, not just service provision.

As I prepare to qualify into the commercial team, I’m excited by the breadth of work and the opportunity to grow into a solicitor who is trusted not only for legal advice but for strategic thinking.

Reflections on my Training Contract

Being a trainee solicitor isn’t just about learning the law – it’s about discovering how you work best, how you adapt, and how you communicate. It’s also about developing stamina, humility, and curiosity. No two days are the same, and sometimes, no two hours are either.

There have been moments of uncertainty (and imposter syndrome), but also plenty of support from supervisors and peers. I’ve learned to ask questions early, take ownership of tasks, and (importantly) acknowledge mistakes and learn from them quickly.

The seat rotation model exposed me to different practice areas, personalities, and work styles. It’s shaped not just my legal knowledge but how I want to build client relationships, manage my time, and lead projects in future.

Looking Forward

Qualifying into commercial law feels like a natural next step – combining the interpersonal skills I developed in family law with the transactional discipline from real estate. I feel well-equipped to understand the human side of contracts, the commercial realities behind negotiations, and the legal structure that ties it all together.

Life as a trainee solicitor has been more dynamic, challenging, and transformative than I imagined at the outset. If there’s one takeaway from my journey so far, it’s that being open-minded and adaptable will carry you further than any textbook.

Rhian Hazeldene
Trainee Solicitor, Commercial
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This reflects the law and market position at the date of publication and is written as a general guide. It does not contain definitive legal advice, which should be sought in relation to a specific matter.

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