Catherine Rogers

From: Herefordshire
University: Manchester
Year of Training: First
Current Seat: Intellectual Property & Commercial

What’s life been like at Farrers so far?

As with starting any new job there is so much to learn, but everyone has realistic expectations - lots of the partners at Farrers trained here so they remember what it’s like.  The support network provided by supervisors and fellow trainees is a great help.

The work is hugely varied – from photographing exhibits for a trade mark case, to researching the rules governing the internet, to attending a client meeting - it’s rare that two days are the same.

Happily, given the variety of clients and the range of work we do for them there are always plenty of training sessions for trainees, on the law as well as legal and business skills.

Did you know what the firm was like before you started?

I first heard of Farrers when someone at law school told me you had to be royalty to be offered a training contract – a comment that I couldn’t help but see as a challenge.  After some research I discovered that Farrers’ practice covered the areas of law I had begun to take an interest in (IP and family law), so I applied to attend an open day.  The atmosphere was friendly, and the tasks we were given were very business and marketing focused, which was the first time I’d come across lawyers who talked about the law as a business.

After the open day I applied for a vacation scheme.  I spent a week in both the Private Client and Commercial Property departments (I even went on a site visit with Commercial Property).  I was really impressed with how much effort people put in to involve me in ‘real work’ even though I was only there for a two-week vac scheme. 

It just goes to show that the best way to find out about a firm is to go and have a look for yourself.  And don’t believe everything people say.

What drew you to law in the first place?

Before coming to Farrers I worked in the fashion industry.  Even though I loved the creative elements of fashion, I needed more of an intellectual challenge.  Law has given me that, and I still get to be part of a business, thinking creatively, making commercial considerations, and ultimately providing a service to clients.  Of course the law is vital, but without understanding how businesses work, you can’t be a good solicitor.  I also like the fact that law offers a structured career path – a two-year training contract where you can try different types of law and then a clear way of progressing.

How would you describe the working culture at Farrers?

Expectations are high, but the atmosphere is one of encouragement and support.  Without exception everyone is clever but not intimidating.  The partners are approachable and are keen to involve trainees in the work they are doing.  The atmosphere varies across different departments but as a trainee the 6-seat training programme is a useful way to get an idea of how things work.  In IP, for example, we have a weekly meeting where everyone (including trainees) reports to the team on what they’re working on. 

What advice would you give aspiring lawyers?

Given I am still an aspiring lawyer I can only repeat what people have told me: get as much legal work experience as you can, immerse yourself in the law before you even begin applying, and stay open minded about what sort of law you want to do.  Having a sense of humour helps too.