Life at Foot Anstey
Helen Horswell - Second year trainee
I grew up in Plymouth and, having decided not to move away from the South West, I studied for both my LLB and LPC at the University of Plymouth.
I have never been drawn to the big city lights; I enjoy the freedom and relaxation that the nearby beaches and moorland have to offer. Foot Anstey, with its commitment to becoming the premier law firm in the South West, was therefore at the top of my list when considering which firms I might like to work with.
I initially joined the firm as a Paralegal and realised early on that there was a lot of support and camaraderie amongst the trainees. I was eager to apply for a training contract and was fortunate enough to become a trainee in September 2009.
My first seat in Clinical Negligence has largely involved working on an important piece of group litigation and I have been given a great amount of responsibility. Whilst this was daunting to begin with, the experience has been exciting and, reassuringly, I’ve never been without supervision. I have also had the opportunity to work on multi-million pound birth injury cases as well as cases being heard in the Court of Protection, which I suspect I would not have had the opportunity to do as a trainee with any other local firm.
Business development is an essential part of life as a trainee at Foot Anstey. We are actively encouraged to do all we can to develop the business and market both ourselves and the firm. Business development activities I have been involved in during my first few months have include organising a drinks evening with other young professionals from PricewaterhouseCoopers, assisting at the opening party for Foot Anstey's new Salt Quay House office on Sutton Harbour and attending a number of Breakfast Seminars.
Being a keen sportsperson, the firm’s promotion of a healthy work life balance suits me well. As well as being able to spend time outside of work with friends and family, there are plenty of events organised through the firm to keep me busy! I have taken part in a cycle ride for Cystic Fibrosis in Drake’s Circus shopping centre and I am also involved in organising a charity quiz night for Headway Somerset.
Being a trainee with Foot Anstey is never dull. I would certainly recommend applying for a training contract with the firm if you want to challenge yourself whilst developing your career, and at the same time maintaining an enjoyable social life.
