Name: Arcadius Gregory

Firm: Trethowans

Position: Trainee solicitor

Degree: LLB (Hons) Law

University: Bournemouth University

Hobbies: Classical Music, History, Fitness

Current department: Residential Property

Number of TC applications made and interviews attended: 1/1

Why did you decide to train as a solicitor?

At the risk of sounding clichéd, I have always wanted to become a solicitor. In the past I have done many different things, both in terms of education and employment but there has always been only one goal and that is to be a solicitor.

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

I started working towards securing a training contract in my first year of university and it was really difficult to juggle studying, a part time job, networking and finding and undertaking various work placements to gain the necessary experience.

But I think the biggest challenge was to persuade the managing partner and the interviewing panel, in one-hour interview, that I am the best candidate for the position. But guess what? It worked!

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

For me this interview was a once in a lifetime opportunity and the thought that I might be asked a question to which I would have no answer absolutely terrified me so I made sure that I went to the interview very well prepared and there were no tricky questions.

In the end, although I had my answers at the ready, neither did I have to explain Facebook to my grandma nor guess how many one pence coins would fit into the interviewing room!

Arcadius Gregory, Trethowans

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

We deal with all aspects of residential property transactions, including buying and selling property, mortgages, lease extensions, buying freehold, equity release and Land Registry registrations. I also assist the Head of the Team in commercial property work which includes general acquisitions and disposals of all types of freehold and leasehold commercial property.

What are the most enjoyable aspects of your job?

I work with the most exceptional lawyers I have ever met so being able to learn from them is one of the most enjoyable aspects of my job but being able to solve clients’ problems is what makes me tick.

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

At first I was surprised how rarely law comes to play. Obviously everything you do is set within a legal framework and you must know the legal principles that are relevant to the team you are in but you will not be required to recite case law or declaim judgements. What you will be expected to use every minute of the day is your common sense, interpersonal skills and commercial awareness.

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

It is a reply from a chartered surveyor confirming the layout of the car parking in an office block in relation to a new commercial lease.

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

Post room

Describe your training partner in three words.

Professional, approachable, supportive.

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

  • I am a former European karate champion;
  • I can play classical guitar; and
  • I love my job

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

I would have been a historian or a musician.

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

Have the ultimate goal in mind from day one and plan ahead – know where you need to be next year to get to where you want to be in five years’ time. Do not leave anything to chance and make your own opportunities. Prepare for a bumpy ride and be ready to make sacrifices.

60-second interviews