Name: Anisa Dudhia

Firm: Osborne Clarke

Position: Trainee solicitor

Degree: Law

University: University College London

Hobbies: Spinning, baking (and all things food – mainly eating) and climbing.

Current department: Property litigation

Number of TC applications made and interviews attended: 10 (including vacation schemes)/Approximately seven

Anisa Dudhia, Osborne Clarke
Why did you decide to train as a solicitor?

I was involved with the debating society at school, so I decided to apply to law firms to gain further work experience. By sheer luck, I was given the opportunity to work in a city law firm and I soon realise that being a lawyer is so much more than just knowing the law. Having to continuously develop to meet clients’ ever-changing needs is what drew me to a career in law.

What were the biggest challenges you faced when trying to secure a training contract?

As there are so many different law firms, it was initially a challenge to work out which firms I wanted to apply to.

Going to law fairs, speaking to people who work at the firms, and attending the interviews really helped me work out which firms would suit me.

What was the toughest training contract interview question you were asked (at any firm) and how did you answer?

In one of my interviews I was given a contract and was asked to name a specific liquidated damages clause. I couldn’t recall the law terminology from my first year contract course, so I said I didn’t know the answer. It wasn’t easy to admit, but I felt that it would have been more awkward sitting there struggling to remember. They do say honesty is the best policy…

The experience has taught me to continue to go over the basics; I am sure I will have no difficulty identifying a liquidated damages clause in the future.

Tell us a bit about the type of work handled by the department you’re in at the moment…

The majority of the work the team does is contentious, covering a broad range of real estate matters, from landlord and tenant disputes to complex development disputes. However, we also regularly provide support to our transactional colleagues on matters, advising a wide variety of clients ranging from energy companies to banks and real estate investors.

What are the most enjoyable aspects of your job?

I have a lot of autonomy and regularly have the opportunity to manage my own matters, attend client meetings alone, and I work with exceptional lawyers who really want to see me achieve to the best of my ability.

What about your job didn’t you expect before you started?

I did not expect that I would enjoy working in an open plan environment, but it really does remove hierarchy in the office.

Who’s the most recent email in your inbox from, and what’s it about?

An email from the senior associate in our team about a property focused mediation masterclass later this month, which we will be attending.

Where’s the best place to go to get your office’s gossip?

The kitchen or the ladies, but you can’t always be so sure that nobody can hear…

Describe your training partner in three words.

Approachable, funny, and sharp (alternatively: (the) Real Louis Litt).

Tell us two truths and one lie about yourself (in any order).

  • I got five majors during my first driving test.
  • I can’t swim.
  • I dislocated my elbow by falling off a see-saw.

If you had not decided to become a lawyer, what career would you have chosen?

I would have chosen to be a teacher. As a young girl, I always enjoyed mock school lessons, marking homework, and the red pens!

What advice would you give to someone who wants to pursue a career in law?

Be open minded about the opportunities that come your way – you may fall into something and realise it was the best thing that could have happened for your career.

60-second interviews