Hugh Wigzell - First Year Trainee

Where did you go to University and do your degree?

I studied history at the University of York and did the GDL and LPC at BPP in London.

What does a typical days work involve?

I am in my first seat and am yet to be convinced that a 'typical days work' exists at Forsters (by way of illustration I spent one day recently decorating for Centrepoint, the firm's chosen charity). I am in the corporate department and, because of the private client and property emphasis here I am ensured a fantastic variety of work. Currently I am involved with an Employment Tribunal case, drafting a Declaration of Trust and assisting administratively with the sale of a multi-national group of companies. Already only 6 weeks in to my training contract I have been involved with researching the more corporate elements of private client transactions, property tax issues and debt collection. Also it is not uncommon to be sent out to Companies House to register documents and incorporate new companies. Not all of the work is glamorous – I also have a dusty box to sort through and file, but that is certainly the exception and not the rule!

How are you finding Forsters social side?

Relentless is the first word to spring to mind and it is a facet of the firm that I particularly enjoy. The first week of my training contract we had the qualifiers party (Arabian nights themed) and that rather set the tone. Since then there has been an organised social event most weeks and more spontaneous socialising every week. It is an important (but not a compulsory or intimidating) aspect to working life here and as varied as it is regular with yoga, softball and book club all on offer and all equally fantastic ways to meet colleagues who you may be working with tomorrow or next seat.

Why did you choose Forsters?

I sometimes feel that Forsters chose me as much as the other way round. I encountered the firm at a law fair whilst a legal career was only an option. Having interested me enough to find out more I came along to an open day, and, suitably impressed by the people, offices and location applied for the vacation scheme. I knew I really wanted to work here when I woke up on the Monday after my vacation scheme had ended and felt disappointed not to be heading into the West End and back to work (despite the miserable commute up the Northern line this entailed).

Once you had chosen Forsters how well did they keep in touch over the two years before joining?

This is an element that Forsters pitch extremely well. Helped by the rigorous social scene, events and invitations (as well as maintenance grant cheques) come through regularly but not invasively. The result was that by the time I joined the firm I already knew a number of faces and even a few names, which served to quiet the nerves of the first few days.