Sufian is a first-seat trainee solicitor at Shoosmiths. In this blog Sufian shares his journey from law school to securing a training contract, offering practical tips and honest insights to help future trainees navigate challenges and embrace opportunities.

Published: 26 January 2026
Author: Sufian Attyeh

For many, the idea of securing a training contract stirs uncertainty—where to begin, whether your achievements will measure up, and if you truly belong. The truth is, the route into the legal profession rarely follows a straight line. It can feel intimidating when the destination seems unclear, but the journey is full of growth if you’re willing to start.

My journey began in 2018 when I moved to the UK to study law. The pandemic soon turned university life upside down, and isolation often made me question my capabilities. But every challenge taught me that doubts are not signs to stop—they are chances to push forward. Graduating with First-Class Honours reminded me that perseverance matters more than perfection.

Next, I worked at a charity supporting individuals without access to legal advice. This was my first exposure to client-facing work and taught me that valuable experience isn’t confined to law firms. If you are looking for practical experience, volunteering at charities offering free advice is a great way to gain skills while helping those in need—without completing formal applications.

Later, I moved into residential conveyancing, my first taste of demanding legal work. Handling complex transactions stretched my abilities far beyond what I’d learned at university. It reinforced that academic success alone does not guarantee achievement in practice.

When I started applying for training contracts, balancing a full-time job made the process tough. My advice? Push through application periods, start early, and stay organised—leaving things late will pile on pressure and erode any work-life balance. Finding a firm whose values align with yours is key. For me, Shoosmiths stood out for its personable culture, where open and honest conversations replace rigid formalities.

Sometimes, things don’t always go to plan. On the day of my assessment centre, I was late due to circumstances beyond my control. It felt like all my effort had been wasted. But the Emerging Talent team at Shoosmiths handled it with empathy, allowing me to regroup and focus. That experience showed me what really matters: firms aren’t looking for perfection—they want to see how you respond and recover. Stay calm and focus on what you have prepared. Assessment centres test resilience, not flawlessness.

After securing my training contract, the next hurdle was the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). Its reputation for being tough is deserved—the sheer volume of material can feel overwhelming. But it is achievable. Success comes from persistence and preparation, so start early, keep going, and trust that consistent effort pays off. Create a system that works for you and stick with it. Preparing well and in advance reduces exam anxiety, which often impacts our performance in stressful examinations like the SQE.

Now, as I am in my first seat in Corporate, I am excited for what’s ahead. Every day brings new challenges and fresh perspectives. What makes this journey easier is the support I receive at Shoosmiths—confidence coaching, expert guidance, and a culture that invests in growth. Progress isn’t about perfection; it is about embracing opportunities to learn and adapt.

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

If you’re ready to apply, jump straight to find out more and apply for our training contract opportunities.

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.