Starting a training contract can feel daunting, especially if you have not worked in a law firm before. Hans, a second-seat trainee, shares their insight into starting their training contract, without prior legal experience.

Published: 5 June 2026
Author: Hans van Baalen, Trainee Solicitor

As the start date of my training contract drew ever nearer, I distinctly remember experiencing a growing sense of unease, largely driven by my lack of legal experience.

The realisation that I had no idea how a commercial firm like Shoosmiths operated on a day-to-day basis felt overwhelming. As embarrassing as it is to say, my only exposure to a fast-paced legal environment had come from watching Suits.

What I did not understand were the practicalities. I was unsure on how to interact with colleagues and clients, handle office dynamics or carry out basic everyday tasks.

Going back to Suits, my lack of experience made me worry that I would be the second coming of Harold. For anyone unaware, Harold is the comical character at the beginning of the show, who had performed well in academic environments but struggled in practice.

I still felt my initial nerves during my Induction week. One particularly sobering moment came during a conversation with fellow trainees who had previous paralegal experiences. While they were discussing everything from time recording to office stories, I felt what little confidence I had begin to slip away.

However, once I arrived on my first day in my team, I quickly realised that my apprehension had been misplaced.

There was no judgment and no expectation to know everything from the outset. Just an understanding that I would learn. I never once felt judged because I didn’t know how to do something, as my colleagues understood that everyone experienced this immense learning curve.

With their support and insight, I was able to begin the process of refining my skills and finding my role within the team. Although it was not always easy, having a positive, growth mindset and being willing to step outside my comfort zone mattered more than any prior experience.

As my first seat drew to a close, I remember taking stock of where I was now compared to when I started. It drew a wry smile to think about how worried I had been about turning into Harold.

For any prospective applicants or incoming trainees who may be in a similar position, my advice would be this: your previous experience does not define you.

Securing a training contract is the biggest testament to the firm’s faith in your long-term potential. Take reassurance in this and take further comfort in the knowledge that the firm’s culture is ideal for you to learn and grow. You made it here because of your unique experiences not in spite of them.

If there is one thing to take away from this blog, it is that what matters the most is where you are at the end of your training contract, not where you start. Seek out and be open to feedback, don’t be afraid to make mistakes, set your ego aside, and ask for help when you need it.

Thanks for reading. If you are considering Shoosmiths, take the next step: speak to people at events, ask questions, and apply even if your route into law has not been traditional. The learning happens on the job, and your willingness to grow is what will set you apart.

Explore more of our recent blogs for insights and inspiration. If you have questions, our FAQ page is a great place to start.

Still curious or need advice? We would love to hear from you – email us at joinus@shoosmiths.com and our team will be happy to help.