What Our Trainees Say About Us

Wondering what it’s like to train with us? Here’s what some of Barcan+Kirby’s past and present trainees say about working with us.

Our current Trainees

“I’m surprised at how quickly I’ve slotted into the office here at Kingswood; I’ve felt comfortable from day one. Everyone is really approachable and is always ready to answer any questions I have.

The recruitment process was useful as the induction day allowed me to get a good picture of what the firm was like, and it was an honest representation of what it’s actually like too. The interview was quite laid back compared to others I attended which meant I was able to ask more questions about the firm itself.

I’m really happy here and the difference after coming from my previous employer, where I just felt like a number, is stark!”

– Caleb Kay | Trainee Solicitor

“From interview to induction, Barcan+Kirby was great in terms of answering any questions or worries, no matter how many.

I’m really enjoying the role itself. Everyone has been very helpful and I have been fully immersed in all the different cases.”

– Tegenn Holloway | Trainee Solicitor

“All staff were so friendly [during the interviews] and set a really nice atmosphere which I now see is reflective of the culture of the firm.

I also felt completely relaxed and myself in the final interview with Anna and Rob; they created an environment where I was able to felt comfortable to be myself.

I found the induction to be clear and informative but not as overwhelming as I was expecting. It was a nice way to ease into the firm.”

– Abbie Priggis | Trainee Solicitor

“I have just started my third year of the six-year Solicitor Apprenticeship. I joined the programme with GCSEs, A Levels and a Level Three Paralegal qualification through CILEx.

I have one day a week dedicated to my academic learning, during which I attend an online lecture on the subject (currently land law), do some preparatory reading and complete exam questions to improve my knowledge and prepare me for the exam/coursework at the end of the unit.

Alongside the academic studies, I have been improving my professional skills, including negotiating and drafting, by attending in person and online skills days, working towards the competencies of a qualified solicitor.

Barcan+Kirby has supported me massively during my studies. Everyone is always checking in to make sure I am managing with the study and work commitments as it can be a lot at times. The firm has been very accommodating in allowing me to swap my dedicated uni day to a different day of the week if needed to support any academic commitments that I have, e.g. exams and skills days.”

– Gabi Chenoweth | Solicitor Apprentice

“When researching my options to progress into a career in law, I was really interested by the Graduate Apprenticeship route. It offered a new route to qualification compared to the traditional training contract. Whilst at university, I was only made aware of the training contract route to qualification, which would have required me to take a year away from work to complete the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) or Legal Practice Course (LPC).

The apprenticeship gives the perfect opportunity to work towards the SQE whilst still gaining valuable hands-on experience and preventing the need for a career break. The course at the University of Law works through a set topic each week for different practice areas, including Business Law, Property Practice and Wills and Estate Administration, with the end goal of sitting the SQE 1 and 2 exams.

My role as a Graduate Apprentice is to support fee earners by drafting, liaising with clients, and assisting with the general progression of a matter. Barcan+Kirby has a great culture and provides a supportive environment to all employees. I am excited to be on my qualification journey with such friendly and approachable colleagues who are enthusiastic about my progression and development as an apprentice.”

– Lucy Amos | Graduate Apprentice

“I joined Barcan+Kirby as a Legal Secretary in the Medical Negligence department in January 2022, having gained prior experience as a Paralegal. In July 2023, I was promoted to Paralegal, and in September 2024, I successfully interviewed for a Solicitor Apprenticeship, continuing to work within the Medical Negligence department.

Before joining the Staff Development Programme, I was self-studying through CILEx and had achieved my Level 3 Diploma in Law and Practice. Now, as part of my Solicitor Apprenticeship, I am studying with the University of Law alongside continuing to gain practical experience in my role.

Barcan+Kirby has been committed to my personal and professional growth since I joined. The support I have received has been exceptional, and the opportunities the firm has offered me – particularly the chance to advance through the apprenticeship route – have been life-changing.

I’m thoroughly enjoying my new role and studies. I look forward to continuing my development with Barcan+Kirby as I work towards becoming a solicitor specialising in medical negligence.”

– Sophie Birch | Solicitor Apprentice

“I recently passed the CILEx Level 3 Paralegal Apprenticeship – Property Pathway and am now enrolled on the CPQ Bridging Package following a change to the qualification route by CILEx.

The firm has been particularly helpful in navigating these changing waters and getting me set up on the right path, during an especially busy period within my team! Throughout my time at Barcan+Kirby, I have felt encouraged to push myself forward and provided with opportunities to grow and develop within my career. They identified me as someone who may be able to take on the apprenticeship, then supported me in taking the further step toward CPQ, which has given me valuable experience and knowledge, and improved my confidence considerably.”

– Nicole Milstead | Paralegal

“I studied the CILEx Level 3 Paralegal Apprenticeship through Barcan+Kirby and am now recognised as a CILEx Paralegal (ACILEx).

I am now studying the CPQ Foundation Stage to take the next steps in my career and to further enhance my knowledge, and again this is through the firm.

Barcan+Kirby has fully supported me with my studies over the years and I am thankful for this.”

– Shannon Milkins | Paralegal

“I joined the firm as a Paralegal in September 2022 and studied for both my SQE1 and SQE2 exams while working full-time in the Commercial Property team.

After working for Barcan+Kirby for around a year, we discussed qualifying work experience (QWE) and me doing a rotation around other departments in the firm as ‘seats’ to complete the rest of my QWE, which coincided with the firm’s intention to introduce an SQE route to qualification. I passed both sets of exams, and have completed my Litigation seat and am in my final seat in Corporate + Commercial, qualifying in March 2025.

I am massively grateful for the opportunity that Barcan+Kirby has provided me to enable me to reach my goal of qualifying as a solicitor. The firm has made a lot of effort to recognise my hard work and to therefore progress my career.”

– Sacha Jones | Trainee Solicitor SQE

Our past Trainees

“Regardless of their role at the firm, everyone at Barcan+Kirby is really approachable and supportive of the trainee’s development. The firm has set up development workshops, where trainees and junior lawyers meet every quarter and are provided with training sessions to develop key skills in readiness for qualification. These meetings were one of my favourite parts of the training programme –  it was a great way to connect with other staff members and seek advice from senior staff about becoming a Solicitor.”

– Courtenay Salway | Solicitor

“From my first day, I was made to feel very welcome and quickly felt like one of the team. I received excellent training through ‘Lunch & Learn’ sessions, which were run by the Partners, Associates and Solicitors in the department, giving me a fantastic opportunity to build a rapport with the whole team.

I was very excited to join the Barcan+Kirby Training Academy (BKTA). Through the BKTA I was able to develop other important skills, such as time recording and networking. I also met the other Trainee Solicitors through the BKTA, who were all very supportive and helpful as I started my journey as a Trainee Solicitor.”

– Jessica Bradley | Solicitor

“I joined Barcan+Kirby in 2008 and I haven’t looked back. I am now an Associate in our Family team, and I feel lucky to have been given as much experience as I did during my training, and once I qualified, I had obtained the necessary skills to hit the ground running in whatever area of law I chose to practice in.

Barcan+Kirby has provided me with guidance and assistance, and supported my career progression. The firm has a clear progression route and will help support staff who wish to develop their career.

Barcan+Kirby has a mentoring scheme which is open to every member of staff. If there is something that you wish to work on, such as progressing your career, improving/learning new skills, or obtaining further professional qualifications, I know that I can access this scheme for support.

Through the Associates Academy, I was given the opportunity to create and implement a staff rewards scheme across the whole firm. It feels good to know that I can be involved in projects which make a difference to the entire firm. Barcan+Kirby makes every member of staff feel valued.”

– Charmaine Moger | Senior Associate

“After joining in September 2012 as a family Paralegal, I began my training in January 2014.

After qualifying, I was offered a role as a Solicitor in the family department. I am now five years qualified and an Associate, specialising in matrimonial finance.

I felt incredibly well supported throughout my training contract and, even though the firm I qualified into was technically a different firm to the one I began my training with, I was kept well informed throughout the process, and never felt that the merger would restrict my opportunities to progress.

This support has continued throughout my employment. I’m lucky to work with a fantastic team of people, and there is no member of my department who I couldn’t turn to for advice and support, either with my cases or more generally. As a staff member, I feel trusted and valued, and have been given many opportunities, not only to progress my own career, but to contribute to the progress of the firm as a whole.”

– Gareth Hughes | Senior Associate

“I joined Barcan+Kirby in July 2018 as a full-time Paralegal in the Care team whilst undertaking the LPC part-time, where I was quickly exposed to a variety of invaluable experiences, whilst being supported by the team throughout. During my time as a Paralegal, I refined my client care skills, time management and ability to work to a high standard under pressure. This experience prepared me well for life as a trainee.

All teams were incredibly supportive and genuine in wanting to further my learning and give me as much experience as possible. I built on core skills and my confidence increased, which means I could hit the ground running and work more efficiently with each seat change.

I felt like a valued member of each team. I benefitted from all of my colleague’ ‘knowledge and experience and received so much guidance and support. I felt the firm and my colleagues, along with the training I received from the Training Academy, thoroughly prepared me for qualification and gave me the best possible start for the next chapter.”

– Alicia Perry-Watts | Solicitor

“I have been fully supported by Barcan+Kirby since joining the firm in 2017 as a Paralegal. I qualified as a Solicitor in 2019 through the Staff Development Programme, having joined the programme following successful completion of my probation period. I was able to qualify in the same department I had joined, and the firm supported me with the final stages of CILEx, the PSC modules and eventual cross-qualification with SRA. I was also appointed a mentor when completing my CILEx portfolio which really helped!

Since qualification I have been promoted to Associate (2022) and to Senior Associate (2023). I have felt supported throughout my career at Barcan+Kirby, the firm is encouraging of staff to progress their careers and to develop within the firm.”

– Naomi O’Brien | Senior Associate and Head of New Build

Interested in training as a lawyer with us?

Keep an eye on our vacancies page and our social media for details about Paralegal vacancies.