Interview with Caitin Davis
As Caitlin approaches the second year of her Training Contract, we caught up with her to find out how she's settled in to life at Wake Smith and what the stand out moments are from her learning experience so far...
Why did you apply for a training contract at Wake Smith?
I had the opportunity to do an eight-month work experience placement through my Sheffield Hallam University at Wake Smith. I was here one day a week during that time. I really got a feeling for what the firm was like, and I just knew that the people and culture and the values that Wake Smith encourages would be a really, good environment for me to learn and so I took a chance and applied. I was successful and I'm really grateful that I took that chance.
Wake Smith encourages you to take an active role in the matter you're working on and not just do the background work, which I think is really invaluable to my training experience and setting me up for the future once qualified.
A great thing at Wake Smith is our involvement in fundraising. We have a charity of the year picked each year with many various events throughout the year, from dress down days to people taking on mammoth hikes, marathons and bake sales to raise money for a really good cause.
Which seat have you enjoyed the most, and why?
The seat I've enjoyed the most is my current seat, which is in the Family Law department. I've always had a pull to this area of law. I really enjoy the personal nature of the area. Every client's different, every matter's different and I think when someone's going through such a difficult time in their life, to be able to use the knowledge you've got to guide them through that is really rewarding.
Which area of law are you hoping to qualify in to, and has this changed since starting your training contract?
I'm hoping to qualify into Family Law but the great thing about having a training contract at a full service firm is that not only does it solidify your decision as to where you want to qualify, it enables you to gain so many transferable skills that you can take between your seats during your training contract and also beyond that when you qualify, which is completely invaluable because you learn so many different skills from different areas of law.
What are your goals for the next 12 months of your training contract?
As I enter my second year of my training contract, the goals for the next 12 months are really to continue expanding my knowledge, particularly in areas that I haven't yet had exposure to, but also honing in on those skills and knowledge that I already have in order to play a bigger role in my department and take on more responsibilities.
What are you top tips for settling in to a new seat as a trainee?
So my top tips for settling into a new seat are…
- Whilst it can be daunting, you will have picked so many transferable skills up from your other seat that can be taken with you to your next seat and adapted.
- I would say that going to speak to your new head of department and team is a great way to take pressure off yourself by getting to know them and getting to know what their expectations of you are.
- And finally, I would say getting involved, being present and taking as many opportunities as you can. By doing these things, you are moulding yourself into the solicitor you want to be by the time you qualify at the end.
Click here to learn more about careers at Wake Smith, and our Training Contract Programme
Published 11/11/2025