Trainee Q&A - What It’s Really Like to Train at Lester Aldridge

Sep 26, 2026

Trainee Q&A explores what it is like to train at Lester Aldridge through a virtual event led by Learning & Development Partner Karen Seber. Current trainees describe firm culture, community engagement, office experience, and specialized practice areas. It explains the training contract structure, SQE preparation support via Barbri, two qualification pathways, meet-and-greet celebrations, the Trainee Development Programme, assessment centres, and seat allocation experience.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages5

Reading Time13 min

AccessFree to download

An Introduction to Life at LA

Understanding the LA Training Contract

SQE Support Through Barbri

Two Pathways to Qualification

Meet and Greet Event

Trainee Development Programme

Assessment Centres

Hear From Our Trainees

Trainee Q&A: What It’s Really Like to Train at Lester Aldridge AUTHOR / KEY CONTACT | | Karen Seber
Head of Learning & Organisational Development
[karen.seber@LA-law.com](karen.seber@LA-law.com)
01202 786185 | | --- | --- | Last week, we welcomed future lawyers from across the country to our virtual Trainee Q&A event. Led by Learning and Development Partner Karen Seber, and joined by current trainees Skeet Northfield, Millie Hamilitonand Ava Koohgilani, the session gave a genuine insight into life at Lester Aldridge and what applicants can expect from our training contract. Whether you joined the event or are exploring training opportunities with us for the first time, here are the key highlights. An Introduction to Life at LA Skeet opened the session by sharing an overview of the firm. With more than 400 people across our Bournemouth, Southampton and London offices, LA continues to grow and evolve. This includes our ongoing brand and strategy refresh, which reflects who we are and who we want to be in the years ahead. Attendees learned about our wide range of specialist practice areas, including marine, real estate finance, litigation and recoveries, international private client, and our highly regarded health and social care team. Trainees often gain experience across multiple offices and benefit from exposure to niche areas rarely found elsewhere. Skeet also highlighted the firm’s commitment to community engagement. From ESG days and volunteering with local organisations to netball teams, beach volleyball and our popular monthly trainee-led happy hour, trainees are encouraged to get involved from day one. Understanding the LA Training Contract Karen then guided attendees through the structure of our training programme. SQE Support Through Barbri LA funds SQE preparation and exams through Barbri, chosen for their impressive pass rates and flexible online Page 1 Trainee Q&A: What It’s Really Like to Train at Lester Aldridge Tel: 0344 967 0793 | Email: [info@LA-Law.com](info@LA-Law.com | www.lesteraldridge.com)[ |](info@LA-Law.com | www.lesteraldridge.com)[ www.lesteraldridge.com](info@LA-Law.com | www.lesteraldridge.com) Lester Aldridge LLP is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA ID: 463177) . It is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales under number OC321318 . Managing Partner: Tom Alder; Compliance Officer for Finance and Administration: Dan Baker-Mist (Financial Controller); Compliance Officer for Legal Practice: Joanne Clarke (Partner) -See more on the Lester Aldridge Privacy Policy © 2026 Lester Aldridge study options. Whether starting with a law degree or coming through a conversion route, trainees benefit from tailored support and structured pathways to help them succeed. Two Pathways to Qualification Depending on when individuals complete their degree, trainees can begin their SQE journey either in January or July. Both pathways prepare candidates for SQE1 and SQE2 in time for joining the firm in September 2028. Meet and Greet Event A week after trainees sit their SQE2 exams, they are invited to an in-person celebration day. This is an opportunity to: meet their cohort get to know their future team discover their first seat allocation enjoy the monthly happy hour This helps to ease first-day nerves and build early connections. Trainee Development Programme Unique to LA, the Trainee Development Programme supports your growth beyond technical legal skills. Workshops focus on emotional intelligence, communication, resilience and managing workload. The aim is to equip future lawyers with the soft skills needed to thrive in a demanding profession. Assessment Centres The firm’s assessment centres take place in early June and include group exercises, interviews, written tasks anda chance to meet current trainees over lunch. Previous attendees have praised the friendly atmosphere and the supp

FAQs

Who leads the Trainee Q&A and what is the purpose of the session?

Learning & Development Partner Karen Seber leads the event to give prospective applicants insight into life at Lester Aldridge and what to expect from the training contract.

How does Lester Aldridge support trainees with SQE preparation?

The firm funds SQE preparation and exams through Barbri, with flexible online study options and structured pathways to support success.

What qualification pathways does the training contract offer?

Depending on when trainees complete their degree, the SQE journey can start in January or July, preparing candidates for SQE1 and SQE2 ahead of joining in September 2028.

Sep 26, 2026

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