Saule Balciunaite, Chelsey Carr, and Lucy Dinning began their training contracts recently, taking a well-trodden path by those who have progressed before them.

An important step in the career of an aspiring legal professional, the training contract represents the chance to qualify as a Solicitor and be inducted into the Solicitor’s Roll.

It opens up a whole host of future opportunities, develops the skills and competencies of those who complete the contract, and provides the platform to go on and do even more in the profession.

Winns has always taken great pride in offering multiple training contract opportunities during the calendar year, offering them only to internal employees who are eligible to apply.

It’s a unique chance to take on that next phase of a career, and so the achievement of being accepted onto a training contract cannot be understated.

Jo Amos, Winn Group Training Principal, said: “Congratulations to Chelsey, Lucy and Saule for securing training contracts. 

“I am sure that they will make the most of the next two years to gain the experience and skills that they will need to qualify as solicitors in March 2027.”

After taking their first fledgling steps on a 24-month journey that will take them across the company and its varying legal departments, we caught up with the three aspiring solicitors to discuss the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead:

Why did you apply for the training contract?

Saule: I felt like this was a natural progression for me as I have been working for Winns for over two years now. I was eager to develop my legal knowledge and the training contract will allow me to do so by completing seats in different departments.

Chelsey: A training contract has always been the end goal since starting to study Law in my A-Levels.

Lucy: I applied for the training contract at Winn Solicitors because of the firm's commitment to internal progression and development. The policy of offering training contracts exclusively to current staff demonstrates a dedication to staff and provides a clear pathway from roles such as Paralegal to Trainee Solicitor to Solicitor. This approach aligns with my career aspirations, offering a supportive environment in which to grow professionally.

How pleased are you to be offered a training contract here?

Lucy: I am extremely pleased with Winn Solicitors for offering me a training contract. I joined the firm after completing my university degree and am excited to progress through the next steps of my career here.

Saule: I am incredibly thankful and pleased to be given the opportunity to progress my career at Winns. My team leader Andy, as well as Vic and Rachel have encouraged me to apply for the training contract and supported me throughout the application, which I’m grateful for!  

Chelsey: Really pleased, it is nice to see my hard work as a fee earner acknowledged.

What are you expecting from the two-year process?  

Chelsey: I am expecting the training contract to be hard work but rewarding as I work towards the end goal of becoming a solicitor. I am also expecting to learn new skills which will improve my work as a fee earner.

Lucy: I anticipate that the training contract will provide exposure to various legal departments. This experience will enhance my legal knowledge, allowing me to develop a well-rounded skill set and identify areas of particular interest for future specialisation.

Saule: I’m expecting to enhance my legal knowledge and develop a further understanding about the different legal departments within Winns. I am also eager to develop the skills and take on challenging responsibilities, allowing me to develop into a well-rounded Solicitor once I qualify.

What are your aspirations in your career?

Chelsey: I hope to successfully complete my training contract and become as knowledgeable and efficient as I can.

Saule: To qualify as a Solicitor and continue developing my knowledge and expertise following the completion of my training contract.

Lucy: My career aspirations include qualifying as a Solicitor and progressing within the firm. I am looking forward to continuing to progress within the company both during and after the completion of my training contract. 

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