Matt Oliver
Matt is a former FTSE 100 lawyer and qualified career coach who founded Trainee Solicitor Surgery in 2009. He’s helped over 300 aspiring solicitors secure training contracts at top UK and US firms, drawing on 10 years of legal practice and 15+ years of coaching expertise.
Matt shares free, trusted advice in his articles and offers expert one-on-one coaching for those who want tailored support from someone who has been on both sides of the process.
Posts
In this interview, Lydia Odedeji gives some important advice about maintaining a positive mindset and how to navigate the challenging TC recruitment process. Lydia is a future trainee solicitor at Clifford Chance with a Nigerian undergraduate in law. If you’re an international student, also check out our Insider Guide On How To Get A Training…
In this interview, Ananya Bagri describes how she went from multiple rejections to multiple vacation scheme and training contract offers. Ananya is an Indian, born and brought up in Singapore, and got her undergrad in law from Warwick University. She is a future trainee solicitor with Clifford Chance. If you’re an international student, also check…
In this post, Ananya Agrawal, a future trainee solicitor at Clifford Chance, shares her journey to a training contract, including key steps she took and the importance of mindset. If you’re an international student, also check out our Insider Guide On How To Get A Training Contract As An International Student. The journey to securing…
I had the pleasure of interviewing Razan Samkari, who secured a training contract at a magic circle firm after several years of applying. There’s some real gold in here for you if you’re struggling to get that elusive TC offer. If you’re struggling to make progress, check out my advice on how to craft successful…
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.
This new book for 2010 is written by Charlotte Harrison who is a senior lecturer at the University of Portsmouth. It is described as the essential guide for anyone considering a career as a solicitor in England & Wales, from the sixth former to those studying the LPC. The book considers each step of the…
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.
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).
Competition for training contracts has never been more fierce than it is today. So, unless you are an applicant with an Oxbridge double first, rowing captain and chairman of the debating society on your CV, you need to understand what firms are looking for and seek to demonstrate as much of it as you can.…