Matt Oliver
Matt is a former FTSE 100 lawyer and accredited 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 16 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
Being nervous about an interview for a training contract or vacation scheme is perfectly normal. Most people will have nerves of some sort when they wonder whether they can answer all the training contract interview questions they might be asked. They can actually be a good thing as they mean that you are sharp and…
This post contains more invaluable advice from grad recruiters who are in charge of giving out training contract and vacation scheme offers each year. One of the key things that contribute to a candidate’s success in the training contract process is the research they undertake. Another is the decisions made by that candidate about which…
This latest video recommendation provides an account of what it’s like to work on a big deal at a large corporate firm like Allen & Overy. It includes some useful insights into the role of trainees in a City firm and is valuable research for all budding commercial lawyers. It gives you an idea of…
This week’s website review focuses on the law blog, Legal Cheek, which I would highly recommend you check out. It brings a different take on the legal profession compared to the law careers advice websites you may be used to. Refreshing Style What I like most about it is its refreshingly irreverent style of legal…
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.
Whilst the majority of law career hopefuls will have heard of the website lawcareers.net, in my experience, there are many who aren’t getting as much out of it as they could do. What Is LCN? Lawcareers.net (LCN) is one of the largest law careers websites and has a broad range of quality information and advice…
The importance of law career fairs is often under-estimated by candidates and you will be missing a trick if you don’t attend any. Whilst we wouldn’t recommend you go to lots of them, we would certainly recommend you attend at least one or two carefully selected fairs. They are a safer and less scary way…
September/October of each year sees the start of various new cycles in the worlds of students, graduates and law job applicants. Students are either starting a new year at university or commencing the GDL or LPC at law school. Out of those who have already finished their studies, the lucky ones will be commencing their…
In this post, I outline how to prepare for, and practice, training contract and vacation scheme assessment centre tests & exercises. So you’ve gone through the hard slog of applications and you’ve made it through to the next stage. Awaiting you is the firm’s assessment centre and you’re wondering what to expect. Assessment centres (or…