Name: Adeola Fatiregun
Firm: Kyte Broking Limited
Position: Trainee solicitor
Degree: LLB Law (with year abroad)
University: University of Leicester
Hobbies: Art, Politics and Travel.
Current department: Financial Services (In-house Trainee)
Number of TC applications made and interviews attended: 9/5
Why did you decide to train as a solicitor?
I was initially attracted to the legal profession as I, idealistically, wanted to make change to the world by helping others. As a naturally inquisitive, problem solver I relish opportunities to apply creative strategies to overcome challenges and as such gravitated to the Law. The law is the ultimate framework that governs all our commercial – and often personal – relationships, and training as a Solicitor in a dynamic financial institution allows me to satiate my curiosities.
What were the biggest challenges you faced when trying to secure a training contract?
Battling my nerves at the interview stage.
What was the toughest training contract interview question you were asked (at any firm) and how did you answer?
After an intense assessment centre group task, I was asked to outline the weaknesses of my team mates and highlight my strengths and why I deserved a TC offer over them. I was told that I was far too kind to my peers and not self-promoting enough.
Tell us a bit about the type of work handled by the department you’re in at the moment…
As an in-house trainee, no day is exactly the same – I am currently involved in general commercial legal work with a strong Financial Services focus.
What are the most enjoyable aspects of your job?
The ability to gain direct exposure in the sector of work that is of personal interest to me. I particularly enjoy being able to directly approach senior managers of the firm and gain their perspectives on different aspects of the industry.
What about your job didn’t you expect before you started?
Training in-house means that you work rather closely with different departments in the organisation, I did not anticipate how much of the law and certain regulations impacted how different divisions performed their functions.
Who’s the most recent email in your inbox from, and what’s it about?
I have been asked to draft a Research Agreement by my Supervisor, on behalf of a Broker within the Risk Arbitrage desk of our firm.
Where’s the best place to go to get your office’s gossip?
In case my Supervisor is reading this, I have no idea!
Describe your training partner in three words.
Patient, kind and approachable.
Tell us two truths and one lie about yourself (in any order).
- I do not know how to ride a bicycle.
- I am an avid painter.
- I was invited to the White House Farewell Event by The Obamas.
If you had not decided to become a lawyer, what career would you have chosen?
It is difficult to decide, but I seriously considered a career as an Abstract Artist versus that of being a Member of Parliament.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to pursue a career in law?
Legal work experience is invaluable not just from an application perspective but also for yourself, to really obtain an insight into the industry you are trying to pursue.
Do not limit yourself in your pursuit of the type of legal work experience you think you ought to have.
Be prepared to give it your all, it is a competitive field but do not be deterred! For firms do have to recruit candidates and do not partake in recruitment activities for sheer amusement – they want to hire – so why can’t that be you!
Inspiring