Case study

Corey Hill — Trainee solicitor

Employer
Slaughter And May

Corey studied law at Cardiff University and started his training contract at Slaughter and May in March 2025

Why did you apply to Slaughter and May?

I applied to Slaughter and May after attending a recruitment event where I had the opportunity to hear directly from an associate at the firm.

What resonated with me was his description of the firm’s culture - it was not only its commitment to excellence, which I expected, but its genuine emphasis on collaboration.

It became clear that collaboration at Slaughter and May is not merely a buzzword, but a fundamental part of how the firm operates. The associate spoke candidly about his experiences, showing a genuine enjoyment of both the work and his colleagues.

Being state school educated and neurodivergent, it was important to me that collaboration included acknowledging my background and experiences. That conversation made me want to be part of a firm where teamwork and diversity and inclusion are genuinely valued.

How did you find the application process?

The application process itself was straightforward.

As it was my first legal interview, I was uncertain about what to expect. There was also an interview where I was asked to give my views on an article - this was both challenging and insightful. It tested my ability to think critically, analyse complex information, and communicate clearly under pressure.

During the process, I recognised how the skills I had developed in a sales environment were transferable and highly relevant to the legal profession, such as:

  • active listening
  • adaptability
  • persuasive communication.

Although the experience was daunting at first, it ultimately proved to be a valuable learning opportunity that significantly boosted my confidence.

What’s a typical day like as a trainee solicitor in your current seat?

I usually arrive around 9am, check my emails and calendar, and plan out my day. My tasks vary but often include legal research or drafting initial versions of documents.

As a trainee, I am often invited to join calls with supervisors and clients, where I take notes and track next steps. These calls are incredibly insightful, not just for understanding the legal issues, but for observing how supervisors communicate and manage client expectations. It’s a great way to learn the soft skills that are just as important as technical knowledge.

In and amongst this are the thorough training sessions that the trainees have access to. This can vary from subject-specific training for the group you are sat in, to firmwide training that covers the legal essentials required to practice law in a commercial law firm.

I am currently sitting in financing, which is one of the seats that all trainees at Slaughter and May are required to do. My first seat was in pensions, employments and incentives, and I will be spending my final two seats in corporate and then disputes.

What aspect of your role do you enjoy the most?

There are so many moving parts, both within the firm and in the external environment. I enjoy the challenge of thinking laterally to manage them.

Whether it’s adapting to a new client need or managing competing deadlines, the work keeps me on my toes. It’s intellectually stimulating, challenging and genuinely interesting, which makes even the busiest days rewarding.

What has been a highlight of your experience so far during your training contract?

One of the most memorable experiences so far has been attending the High Court for a pension’s litigation matter. This offered invaluable exposure to a complex and high-profile case, where trainees played a pivotal role in supporting the smooth running of proceedings behind the scenes.

It was particularly rewarding to observe how the legal team’s preparation directly informed and strengthened the barrister’s advocacy. Witnessing the delivery of arguments with clarity and conviction in support of our client was both inspiring and insightful.

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