Case study

Oliver Clarke — Trainee solicitor

Employer
RPC

Oliver is a second-year trainee in RPC's Bristol office. Here he discusses what makes training in Bristol such a valuable and enjoyable experience

What type of work can trainees expect at RPC?

The insurance-focused work makes up most of the work in the Bristol office and covers areas such as:

  • construction
  • medical malpractice
  • personal injury
  • professional and financial negligence
  • property.

RPC lawyers within these sectors are primarily instructed to defend claims brought against commercial entities from surveyors to financial advisors. However, lawyers in the Bristol office also provide coverage advice on the terms of an insurance policy and act for claimants in recovery actions.

While still a fairly recent addition, the commercial practice in RPC's Bristol office continues to grow. The commercial work is both contentious and non-contentious, spanning sectors such as:

  • cyber
  • data intellectual property (IP)
  • technology.

How much responsibility do trainees get?

Trainees are quickly exposed to a huge breadth of work and given responsibility at an early stage. Trainees can, among many other things, get involved in:

  • case strategy
  • drafting court documents
  • mediations
  • trials.

They are also often entrusted to run their own cases, driving the matter forward and considering strategy decisions - whether that be an early settlement or a robust defence to trial.

Considering RPC's expertise as a litigation heavyweight, the seats are primarily contentious. Trainees can therefore experience all stages of the litigation timeline from pre-action all the way through to trial, and everything in between. For aspiring litigators, RPC's Bristol training contract offers invaluable exposure to life as a litigation lawyer.

The insurance litigation work also offers trainees experience in the management of commercial entities, as lawyers routinely act jointly for both insurers and the commercial entity under an insurance policy. This dynamic requires trainees to develop skills in

  • critical thinking
  • expectation management
  • problem solving.

What is trainee life like in Bristol?

Bristol offers a unique blend of natural and urban environments. From architecture such as the Clifton Suspension Bridge and Bristol Cathedral to thriving urban communities and the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, Bristol really is a city for everyone.

Aside from this, it also boasts one of the UK's leading legal markets. Lawyers are quick to recount weekend trips - whether that be hikes in the Mendip Hills, walks into Clifton Village, or days out in the Harbourside.

Many lawyers are swapping the hustle of London for Bristol, attracted by the city’s work/life balance and strong legal market. It’s fortunate that Bristol offers lawyers a better work/life balance due to the number of social events trainees on RPC's Bristol training contract can get involved with.

What social opportunities does RPC offer?

Events range from summer and Christmas fun days, quiz nights, sports teams, and the office choir, to last-minute drinks down King Street. The firm actively encourages participation in these social events, and due to the smaller size of the Bristol office, the events are frequently with people you interact with often, which builds a stronger sense of camaraderie.

The supportive and inclusive culture at RPC allows trainees to feel valued and welcomed, adding to their personal and professional development. The firm also puts on catered food and drinks for the entire office on the first Thursday of each month - a great way to network with those outside of your team.

Bristol is also renowned as being a fun and friendly city, and this sentiment is reflected in those working in RPC's Bristol office. The traditional hierarchical structure is dispensed with, and it’s not uncommon for trainees to find themselves playing football or socialising outside of work hours with associates and partners.

What kind of support and mentorship can trainees expect?

Trainees receive mentorship and supervision from dedicated supervisors and are encouraged to seek guidance from colleagues at all levels. The firm values collaboration and maintains an open-door policy, helping trainees feel welcomed and able to contribute from day one. Regular feedback and structured training support professional growth and confidence.

The Bristol training contract also offers the added bonus of being in Bristol - a city that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, culture, and professional opportunity. From the Clifton Suspension Bridge to vibrant city festivals, trainees enjoy a balanced lifestyle alongside their legal training.

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