Career Support for Aspiring Solicitors
Practical, trusted advice from a former FTSE 100 lawyer and accredited career coach -helping you stand out and succeed in the training contract process.
Helping Candidates Secure Training Contracts Since 2009
Matt Oliver, Founder & EMCC Accredited Career Coach
Hi, I’m Matt - founder of Trainee Solicitor Surgery and a former FTSE 100 commercial lawyer turned career coach.
Over the last 15+ years, I've helped over 300 aspiring solicitors secure training contract offers from top 100 UK & US law firms.
✅ 10 years as a commercial lawyer, including roles at Sky TV (London) & Foxtel (Sydney)
✅ 15+ years as a post-graduate trained and accredited career coach for lawyers and aspiring solicitors
✅ Vetted by the Junior Lawyers Division of the Law Society as a career coach for aspiring solicitors
I founded Trainee Solicitor Surgery to give you the straight-talking support I wish I'd had. Whether you're applying for the first time or facing another cycle with even more at stake, my aim is to help you stand out and succeed.
Get the Right Help, Wherever You Are in the Process
WHAT MY COACHING CLIENTS SAY
Ali, Trainee at Leading Global Firm:
"I was invited for 3 interviews and ultimately was successful in securing a training contract with a top 15 law firm. Working with Matt was a great pleasure and an unbelievable learning experience. I learnt so much about writing, recruitment strategy and the legal sector in general. I also gained a massive confidence boost and secured a dream training contract programme."
Kate, Trainee at Top‑20 Firm:
"I was impressed by how quickly you were able to pinpoint where I was going wrong and then the focused approach to developing a different and improved way of looking at applications which I was able to apply to future applications. I am sure the coaching helped me secure a training contract (with a top 20 law firm) this time around after previously unsuccessful attempts."
Not Sure Where to Start? Try These Essential Guides
Struggling to get past the application bottleneck? This essential guide reveals the proven techniques I’ve used to help hundreds of aspiring solicitors get interview invites. Discover how to beat procrastination, avoid costly mistakes, and use recruiter-friendly drafting tactics to boost your success rate.
Read The Guide >>>You’ve secured the interview — now it’s time to convert in to a TC offer. This expert guide helps you overcome nerves, prepare with confidence, and ask questions that impress. You’ll also get insider tips on what to do during the interview to stay calm and stand out.
Read The Guide >>>Stop memorising endless Q&As. This essential guide shows you which questions really matter – how to craft authentic, flexible answers that make a strong impression. Learn how top applicants prepare (and the common mistakes that lead to rejection).
Read The Guide >>>Assessment centres are often the final hurdle between you and a TC offer. This essential guide is packed with advice for every test and exercise – from Watson Glaser to group tasks to in-tray exercises. You’ll also find links to the best practice resources so you can be fully prepared and beat the competition.
Read The Guide >>>If a cover letter is required, it needs to convince the recruiter you’re the ideal candidate. This essential guide gives you a proven structure and expert advice on how to stand out – while avoiding the common mistakes that weaken most applications.
Read The Guide >>>Need Support You Can Trust?
I’ve helped over 300 aspiring solicitors secure training contracts. If you’re serious about making progress, start by downloading my handbook - or let’s talk about how I can help you personally.