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
This part of the assessment centre allows you to experience the typical decisions and dilemmas that come up frequently when working for a law firm. It gives assessors the opportunity to see how you deal with day to day business multi-tasking, so will give them a good indicator of how you are likely to perform…
Steve Jobs was a visionary and an inspiration to many. He had some valuable insights and advice which all aspiring lawyers would do well to consider. In 2005, Steve gave the commencement speech for students graduating from Stanford University. It remains a hugely popular speech due to the powerful calls to action included in it…
This is a guest post setting out invaluable do’s and don’ts when it comes to attending law fairs. It’s written by an experienced training contract applicant in the hope of preventing you from making the same mistakes. My first and only one, about 4 years ago now, was a fruitless affair; my perfunctory approach to…
This is a guest blog post by Rhys Jones, Law Student & Training Contract Applicant. Countless aspiring trainees seem to have a remarkable aptitude for conveying an often over-zealous longing to work in areas or at firms in which they have very little knowledge or interest. This approach can undoubtedly be attributed to the oversupply…
The subject of this latest interview is Hannah Tyson, a first-year trainee at a general private practice. Hannah talks about her legal career so far and gives her advice for anyone who is looking to follow in her footsteps. 1. Why did you decide you wanted to become a solicitor? When did you make the…
The subject of this latest interview is Alex Kerr, a second-year law student at Sussex University. Alex talks about his legal journey so far and gives some good tips for others seeking to do the same. 1. Why did you decide to study law? When did you make the decision? I decided to study law…
Here is a series of professionally produced videos presented by Gail Porter which take an in-depth look at a career as a solicitor. The videos include a wide variety of interviews with law students, trainee solicitors, graduate recruitment personnel, assistant/associate solicitors, law firm partners, and HR personnel. The videos give a great insight into many…
Legal work experience is one of the most important things law firms look for in applications for training contracts. It demonstrates to a firm a keen interest in the law as well as providing some evidence of real-world practical experience. The more connected the work experience is with the type of firm the applicant is…
Next up in the TSS video series is a video of an interview with commercial property solicitor, Sangita Sangar, who gives a useful insight into working in commercial property. She also discusses her reasoning for moving to a smaller firm and the importance of finding your vocation.