Robert Lewis

From: Manchester
University: Oxford, Queen's College
Year of Training: Second
Current Seat: Disputes

What stage are you in your training?

I’m currently in my fourth seat and so just past half way through my training contract.

What’s life been like at Farrers so far?

It’s been really good.  I feel very settled in the firm and have to remind myself that I’ve only been here a year.  Every team I’ve been in so far has been very different but each one has been welcoming, with interesting work, lots of responsibility and really nice people.

Was there any one experience that made you go into law?

Not really – I had quite a meandering route into law. I’d always been quite interested in law and thought that it was a career I might want to pursue, but I did a History and Politics degree and when I finished university I really wanted to go straight into work. I was recruited by Teach First and worked as a history teacher for a couple of years. During my long holidays as a teacher I did various work experience placements in law and decided the career suited me, so I made a change. I’ve not looked back!

What do you think Farrers looks for in a candidate?

Because the firm has such a varied practice, I don’t think it’s possible to identify a Farrers ‘type’. The personalities among the trainees and the solicitors are extremely varied. Whilst having a good academic record is essential, looking at the other trainees I don’t think this alone will make you stand out as a candidate. I think Farrers look for candidates who have good academics and also a range of interests and experience that they can bring to the firm

How do you see your career panning out?

Hopefully here at Farrers! The firm has an impressive retention rate for trainees.  Judging from my experience so far, I can’t think of any reason I would want to leave at the end of my training contract.