Record Number of Trainees at VWV

Posted on09 December 2022

VWV is delighted to welcome its 2022 intake of eleven new trainee solicitors, seven of which were previously paralegals with the firm. This year's recruitment brings the number of trainees at the firm to 28, its highest ever total.

With seats across all VWVs offices in London, Watford, Bristol and Birmingham, trainees will begin their contracts in a wide variety of practice areas including Employment, Commercial Property, Planning, Regulatory Compliance and Property Litigation.

VWV's Training Principal, Jason Prosser, said:

"We are delighted to welcome eleven new trainee solicitors to VWV. After successfully getting through a rigorous recruitment process, we look forward to developing their skills and expertise during their training contracts.

It's important our trainees feel valued and that their work is making a difference - we hope to offer the perfect platform for them to grow into future leaders of the firm."

VWV saw a 100% retention rate in 2021 after all 13 trainees who qualified secured a newly qualified role with the firm - demonstrating a commitment to nurturing and developing staff and their careers.

Bryony Montandon, previously a Paralegal with the firm, said:

"After working at VWV in Bristol as a Paralegal for three years, I was so excited to start my training contract. The firm has been so supportive while I was obtaining my training contract, and especially over the last year while I was working towards my LPC.

Even just a few weeks into my training contract I have learned so much, due to the high level of training from my supervisors. I have had amazing exposure to clients and even have autonomy over my own cases. I can't wait to see what the rest of my training contract brings!"

Hannah Guy, also a Paralegal with the firm, said:

"I chose VWV as the support you receive as an employee is excellent. Everyone is incredibly friendly and wants to support you in doing your best. I could not recommend VWV enough, and I am looking forward to spending many more years here!"

Applications for the next round of trainee recruitment opened on 15 November and close on 5 February.

Burges Salmon has been an enthusiastic supporter of BLS for many years. BLS provides a valuable role in uniting and promoting the whole of the legal sector across Bristol to benefit both its members and the city. It facilitates collaboration across the sector to ensure that we can all make a difference. Whether that is driving important initiatives in, for example, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and the use of new technologies, liaising with stakeholders and charities in our wider community or providing training to generations of lawyers, the service and support provided by BLS is invaluable. More recently BLS has taken a lead on promoting Bristol’s legal brand, encouraging legal and business services talent to come to the city, which in turn attracts clients and inward investment to our thriving and vibrant commercial community. BLS breaks down barriers and brings those in the profession together for the greater good. We are proud of our long-standing association with BLS.
Roger Bull - Managing Partner, Burges Salmon
Three things to say about my experience of working with Bristol Law Society. Their central team, council members and general hangers-on are just about the nicest, most generous group of people working in the legal sector today. The numerous events, awards, socials and conferences I’ve had the pleasure to attend over the years have been, without exception, top quality and supremely organised. And, thirdly, they consistently exceed and challenge the boundaries of what lawyers might assume a regional Law Society will restrict activities to – from a hugely successful charitable school meals drive to corporate social responsibility and diversity campaigns to being joint architects and coordinators of the region’s unique Bristol+BathLegalTech group, which it has been my privilege to co-chair for the last five years.
Chris Bull - Principal, Edge International
As one of the leading Insurance brokers for law firms in the UK and with a large presence in Bristol it seemed only natural for us to support the Bristol Law Society. Bristol Law Society is one of the oldest and most vibrant of the Law Societies in England and Wales. We are pleased to be working with them on important matters relating to law firms’ liability insurances and Risk Management. From Sole Practitioner to Top 20 law firms we are sure our two organisations can provide excellent support and assistance for the challenges faced by the legal profession.
Matthew Baker - Financial Lines Group, Howden Insurance Brokers Ltd
Joining BLS in 2013 and becoming President in 2018/19 has created many longstanding friendships and business relationships, whilst also unlocking doors to other opportunities in the City. BLS enabled a perfect balance of professional development and also opportunities to give back to the legal and wider community. I am pleased that my Firm has supported BLS in many capacities since 2013 and continues to do so.
Nicholas Lee- Managing Director of Paragon Costs Solutions and Past President of BLS