Jasmine, one of our current trainees, shares practical ways to turn seat rotations into networking opportunities that build confidence, connections, and career insight. Make every move count with strategies that go beyond small talk.

Published 9 December 2025

Switching seats every six months as a trainee is like speed dating for your legal career - exciting, a little nerve-wracking, and full of surprises.

One minute you are deep in corporate transactions, and the next, you are deciphering real estate leases or navigating regulatory frameworks. The trick? Networking. Why? Because let us be honest, no one has all the answers, but someone always knows someone who does.

As I progress in my training contract at Shoosmiths, here is how I plan to - and how you can - turn seat moves into a networking masterclass:

1. Embrace the nerves – everyone feels them

First things first: do not panic - it is okay to feel nervous. Whether you are moving from Corporate to Litigation, or from a calm, transactional seat to a high-pressure, deadline-driven one, everyone feels the butterflies at some point. The key is to acknowledge the nerves (you are not alone!) and use them to fuel your curiosity. After all, if you are not a little nervous, you are probably not challenging yourself enough.

2. Networking: more than just small talk

Networking can sound intimidating, but it does not have to be. Think of it as connecting with people who can help you understand what life in a different seat is really like.

Your fellow trainees, associates, or partners are great resources to ask about what it is like working in a particular department. Do not just ask what their job involves - dig deeper! Ask what is tough, what is rewarding, and what advice they would give to someone switching into the seat.

3. Leverage your mentors (they are there to help)

Shoosmiths has an excellent mentoring system in place where trainees are assigned a buddy from the start of their training contract.

If your firm has a mentoring system, use it. Having a mentor who has been through the seat rotation process can be invaluable. They have survived the initial anxiety and can give you tips on how to thrive in each seat. Plus, having someone to bounce ideas and concerns off in a safe space can make you feel much more grounded as you switch gears.

4. Get out of your comfort zone

It is easy to get stuck in your bubble – working with the same team, in the same department. If you are serious about learning and expanding your knowledge, get outside that bubble!

Join trainee networking events, attend firm-wide talks, and organise casual meet-ups with other trainees. Not only will you learn more about the work in other departments, but you will also build connections that could come in handy for future moves or career opportunities.

Secondments are a great way to understand what clients really look for when instructing legal advisers – and the insight gained whilst being on the other side of the table is truly valuable.

5. Ask questions

We already know there is no such thing as a “stupid” question – the same applies when you are transitioning between seats. Whether it is about the work itself or how to navigate the culture of a new team, ask away! Do not be afraid to ask for feedback – knowing where you are excelling and where you might need to grow is key to making each seat count.

6. Build relationships, not just contacts

Networking is not about collecting business cards (or QR codes) – it is about building relationships. Take the time to learn about your colleagues, understand their career paths, and share your own. You will be surprised at how these relationships can shape your journey, offering advice, support, and yes, job opportunities down the line.

Here are a few examples of where you can find your people:

• trainee cohort – your biggest support system. Swap notes, vent about challenges, and share tips on good supervisors and workload balance.
• firm socials & events – even if you are not a natural extrovert, showing up helps put faces to names.
• mentorship or buddy programmes – if your firm offers one, sign up! If not, take the initiative to ask someone for advice – most seniors are happy to help.
• LinkedIn & alumni networks – a great way to connect with former trainees who can offer unfiltered advice on seat choices.

7. The power of a simple coffee (or chat, if you are not a coffee person!)

Sometimes the best way to network is over a casual coffee or chat (virtual or in person). Ask a fellow trainee or a legal adviser for a chat about their experience in the area of law they have had exposure to, or about your concerns. It is a great way to show initiative and build rapport in a relaxed setting.

If you are not sure how to start a conversation with someone in your dream seat, try these:

• “I heard you were in [insert seat]. How did you find it?” (people love talking about themselves!)
• “Any tips for thriving in [specific team]?” (showing genuine curiosity works wonders).
• “What kind of work do trainees usually get in this seat?” (gives you a real idea of what to expect).

Final thoughts

Seat moves are daunting but also an exciting opportunity to broaden your experience and grow your network. The more proactive you are about networking, the more you will learn not just about your different seats, but also about the people you work with and what makes your firm tick.

Embrace the change, step out of your comfort zone, and let networking become your secret weapon to making each seat a success!

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 our training contract page and you can also sign up for one of our insight events discover more about working at Shoosmiths.

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