In Chris’ latest Coffee Break Briefing, he explores the different types of statutory leave, highlights the key enforcement risks and potential claims and outlines the latest changes and new entitlements employers need to be aware of.
In this video, we sit down with Trainee Solicitor, Hannah Peasland to talk about her time working at Frettens and on the Graduate Scheme.
We cover everything you need to know, including:
- What it's like to work at Frettens
- What the Graduate Scheme is like
- The benefits of the Graduate Scheme
- The type of work you will do
- Why choose Frettens
Watch the full video or read Hannah's article below...
What has your career path been like at Frettens?
I've worked at Frettens for just over a year and a half. I started at the firm as a legal secretary in the Corporate & Commercial Team, and I recently transitioned into the role of a trainee after being offered a position on the Graduate Scheme.
What is it like to work at Frettens?
It’s definitely the people that make the firm the place that it is.
There's a real sense of belonging at the firm, and everyone takes the time to check in or ask how your day is going.
If you need any advice, there's always a door open to anyone in the firm, even the partners. It's a real community environment where you feel encouraged and valued for the work that you do.
What is the Graduate Scheme like at Frettens?
I think the Graduate Scheme at Frettens is quite unique in the sense that trainees start at the firm as legal assistants.
I think this is a really great way to get a feel for how the firm works and to work within a team before transitioning into that role.
As a Legal Secretary, I was able to develop skills in client handling and drafting legal documents, which I think made my transition into the role of a Trainee much smoother.
You can find out more about the Frettens Graduate Scheme here.
What is the support like at Frettens?
There’s lots of support available at Frettens for Trainees, not just from our training principals, who we meet with on a regular basis, but from people across the firm.
There's always a door open to anyone in the firm, even the partners, who can provide advice based on their experience but also provide tips on training and your development within a team.
I've not only received guidance from people that I've worked alongside, but also people that I have maybe only spoken with a handful of times. There's always a friendly face and someone willing to help.
As trainees, we also take part in the Frettens’ Academy, which is a really good initiative for people progressing through the firm. It allows us to understand more about the different departments and to ask questions. It's a valuable network for us to make decisions as to where we might want to qualify and what seats we might want to do in the future.
What are the benefits of doing the Graduate Scheme at Frettens?
The benefits for me personally of doing the Graduate Scheme at Frettens is the ability to gain real hands-on experience while studying.
It's especially rewarding to see how the principles I'm learning through the SQE are used in my day-to-day work.
Frettens also provide us with ten study days on top of our annual leave which is really helpful especially as the exams get closer.
What type of work do you do at Frettens?
I'm lucky as a Trainee at Frettens, in the fact that the work I do is really varied.
I'm able to work with various members of the team including the partners and I've been able to meet with a diverse range of clients with unique circumstances; meaning that the work I'm doing has never been the same.
No two days at Frettens are the same and I think that's really valuable for a trainee to be able to gain a real breadth of work experience.
What sort of graduate do you think Frettens are looking for?
I think Frettens are looking for well-rounded graduates who is:
- enthusiastic,
- resilient, and,
- works well in a team
Why did you choose to train at Frettens?
I chose to train at Frettens as I thought it was a bright and modern firm, quite different from the corporate, stuffy firms that I have seen at university careers fairs.
Describe Frettens in three words
Forward thinking, ambitious and approachable.
Want to apply?
We are currently looking for ambitious and bright graduates to join our scheme and get qualified!
If you’re great at communicating and able to work well with clients and colleagues, we want to hear from you.
Send your CV to our Operations Manager Catharine Snow on csnow@frettens.co.uk, or find out more first here.
Applications for 2026 are now open and will close on the 24th April.
