Jack White is a second-seat trainee solicitor at Womble Bond Dickinson (WBD), currently based in the Newcastle office. He is currently on client secondment with a market-leading property asset manager, having previously completed a seat in the firm’s Rail team.
I studied History and Politics at Newcastle University and absolutely loved my degree – particularly learning about the Aztecs, Incas, and Mexican politics. During my time at university, I began exploring careers in law. I attended law fairs, a first-year insight day at a magic circle firm, virtual events, and an insight afternoon at WBD’s Newcastle office in my first year.
These experiences helped me understand more about the culture of different firms and what a legal career might look like. I approached training contract applications selectively, focusing on firms whose values aligned with mine and where I could see myself building a meaningful career. This strategy worked well for me, and I progressed to the final recruitment stages at several firms, including WBD. My advice to aspiring solicitors when approaching applications is to focus on making authentic, considered and quality applications, over quantity.
Coming from a non-law background is not a disadvantage. In fact, half of the trainees in my office’s cohort come from non-law disciplines. Since starting my training contract, I have met lawyers at WBD with PhDs or who have come into law as a career change. Before joining WBD, I had no legal work experience, but I had worked in a variety of roles including a retail assistant at Lidl, as an undertaker and for a charity. The key during the application process is to highlight the transferable skills and insights gained from those experiences.
After my undergraduate degree, I completed the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) and Legal Practice Course (LPC) through the University of Law at the Newcastle University campus. I studied alongside other future WBD trainees, and this was a great way to build relationships before starting our training contracts.
I chose WBD because it offers international reach and high-quality work combined with a friendly, down-to-earth culture. The firm has a strong commitment to the communities it operates in, and as someone from the North East, that really resonated with me. WBD’s investment in the region is clear; for example, opening a Teesside office to support local clients and working with new investors to the area is a great example of how the firm contributes to regional growth.
Another major factor for me was WBD’s emphasis on wellbeing and responsible business. Law is undoubtedly a demanding profession, but WBD understands the importance of balance. All employees are given a paid wellbeing day and two paid volunteering days each year. I use mine to carry out duties as a trustee for an environmental charity, which has been incredibly rewarding.
The firm also offers a wide range of employee networks and a vibrant social calendar. I co-lead our Newcastle Run Club, where we meet fortnightly after work and often socialise afterwards. It has been a great way to connect with people across the business. WBD encourages networking outside the firm as well, supporting us with an individual budget to attend events like the Junior Lawyers Division and Young Professionals Forum. Making the most of these opportunities is a key part of your development as a trainee.
The legal industry has evolved significantly in recent years. Traditional, paper-heavy processes are being replaced by technology-driven solutions. At WBD, trainees are seen as champions of legal tech. During induction, we met with Sam Dixon, the firm’s Chief Innovation Officer, who introduced us to the tools we use, including Thomson Reuters’ CoCounsel, a Gen-AI assistant that we were the first UK firm to adopt.
We also use platforms like Definely and Microsoft Copilot to enhance our work. We receive thorough training on how to integrate these tools into our day-to-day tasks, making us more productive and helping us to deliver better results for our clients. Sam is very engaged with trainees, regularly visiting offices and hosting virtual sessions to ensure we stay up to date.
WBD is a forward-thinking firm, keen to realise the full productivity and innovation benefits of AI while managing the risks.
1. Get the basics right
You are not expected to know everything as a trainee, but what you can control is your attitude and professionalism. Be punctual, stay curious, and develop your commercial awareness – especially in your seat’s practice area. Do not be afraid to ask questions. My tip: save the ones you think might be ‘silly’ questions for the junior members of your team – they were in your shoes just a few years ago and likely asked the same questions themselves.
2. Communication and attention to detail
Lawyers need to explain complex legal issues and solutions clearly and concisely – clients are paying good money for you to provide them with clarity and quality advice. One of my key takeaways from my first seat was to check my work thoroughly – double, triple, even quadruple check if needed. At WBD, we do not have billing targets as trainees, so your focus should be on delivering high-quality work while meeting deadlines.
3. Get comfortable being uncomfortable
Your training contract is a unique opportunity to challenge yourself. WBD offers a wide range of secondments, which can really help you grow. I was nervous before starting my own secondment – in a completely new practice area, based in London and away from my familiar surroundings of Newcastle. But it has been one of the most rewarding parts of my training so far. I have built confidence, gained insight into an important client, and grown both professionally and personally. Developing resilience early on will serve you well throughout your legal career.
I am currently halfway through my training contract and looking forward to my next two seats. I will qualify as a solicitor in September 2026, and while I have really enjoyed my in-house secondment, I see myself qualifying into private practice. WBD has been a fantastic firm to train with, and I’m excited about what the future holds here.
