Jonathan completed his LPC in June 2016 before starting his first seat in the personal injury department. Concluding this seat in March 2017 Jonathan then spent 6 months in the agriculture department before commencing his third and final seat in the firm's Corporate & Commercial department in Lincoln

"I was looking to move back to Lincolnshire following my time at university and began researching firms in the area. Wilkin Chapman immediately stood out as the largest firm of solicitors in the area. I was already aware of the firm due to their excellent reputation in Lincoln and some further research confirmed that they were a firm that I wanted to apply for. In particular, the website and Wilkin Chapman’s other literature gave an impression of a forward thinking and modern practice.

After university, I wasn’t set on which area of law I wanted to specialise in. Therefore I was keen to apply for a training contract in a practice where I would be able to experience work in a wide range of departments. Wilkin Chapman was attractive in this regards because of the wide range of legal services which they offer."

What is it like to work at Wilkin Chapman?

"Almost one year into my training contract, I can say that I have enjoyed every day so far. Working as a trainee solicitor in any legal practice can be challenging, but at Wilkin Chapman you are well supported to meet this challenge.

Wilkin Chapman’s size and culture means that trainees have the opportunity of working in a variety of different fields of law and still receive training with a high level of contact with experienced lawyers. The firm also takes on specialised legal work, such as that for armed forces personnel, giving trainees a unique experience that can be found at few other legal practices.

I am currently undertaking my second training seat in the agriculture department, having completed my first seat in personal injury. Throughout, I have been working both independently and alongside the firm’s senior legal practitioners. The firm’s open culture means I have found it easy to approach other members of staff with questions and queries. I have also been encouraged to contribute to complex areas of legal work, something I have found as really helpful to my development as a professional.

Working at Wilkin Chapman also comes with a strong social element! The atmosphere within the offices is really friendly and regular social events are organised by the firm throughout the year. These are a mixture of office specific and firm-wide, giving everyone a chance to get to know their colleagues across the firm."