Michael Richards

In terms of choosing to apply to Halliwells, the combination of a steep learning curve and a hectic social schedule made the decision to chose Halliwells a very easy one.

What was your degree subject, and where did you study?

I graduated with a Law degree from Newcastle University.

Were you apprehensive about applying for a training contract at Halliwells without the experience of aplacement?

No, not at all. Doing the summer placement scheme will obviously fill you with a little more confidence, but I relished the fact I had one day to convince Halliwells to give me a training contract. The key is to display enough confidence to show that you can handle the demands of the legal profession, without appearing arrogant. So be prepared, and just be yourself.

In terms of choosing to apply to Halliwells, I was fortunate enough to have friends at the firm a couple of years ahead of me. They raved about the career opportunities given to you at the firm. The combination of a steep learning curve and a hectic social schedule made the decision to choose Halliwells a very easy one.

You took a gap year before commencing the Halliwells LPC+. How was it?

Yes, it was amazing! I’ve always wanted to do some travelling and I’ve always loved skiing. So I decided to do both. I saved hard and moved to Val d’Isère in the French Alps in December. I worked as a ski technician, which involved me driving to exclusive chalets and providing clients with a ski hire service. It was a great job and I was free to choose my own hours of work. So that meant I spent every other second of the day on the mountain perfecting my skiing.

After five months of snow I fancied some beach action so I headed to Australia for a couple of months. I travelled along both the east and west coasts trying my hand at the likes of surfing and scuba diving.

I suppose I chose to take a gap year when I did, so that I could move straight from the Halliwells LPC+ into my training contract. I want to be able to utilise the skills I will be taught at The College of Law while they’re still fresh in my mind and make the most of my career at Halliwells with that extra bit of maturity gained in my gap year.

Having started the course, do you have any apprehensions?

I suppose it’s natural to be a little apprehensive about any new course. But having met all the other Halliwells’ trainees at social events such as the Corporate and Social Responsibility (CSR) day, and being informed more about the course at the LPC+ launch day, any apprehension I felt, completely disappeared before the start of the course. I was ready to give the course my all, and this was a lot easier knowing I had the financial and professional support of Halliwells.

You were in the winning team on Halliwells’ CSR day this year. Tell us all about it!

Yes, the CSR day took place in Boggart Hole Clough, a deprived area of north Manchester. I wasn’t too sure what to expect of the day, but it turned out to be one of the best social events I’ve had during my short time at Halliwells. Obviously the purpose of the day was to help regenerate the park, but we managed to have a lot of fun in doing so! Our job was to cut down trees and bushes in order to clear areas for new growth. That evening, Halliwells rewarded our hard work with a black tie ball. It was great fun to socialise at such a swanky event with trainees from all offices and intakes. By the end of the day I really felt part of the Halliwells team, and was ready to kick start my career with the Halliwells LPC+. That’s the great thing about Halliwells; as soon as you receive your training contract offer you are treated as an employee and, therefore, invited to every social event in the calendar. Christmas party next… can’t wait!

Who was in your team?

My team had trainees from different offices and years of intake so there was a nice mix of experience and age groups so to say. I met quite a few different trainees at different stages in their career. It was good to have an informal chat with people who are a couple of years ahead of you and ask about the departments they have worked in. The lovely Liz Fantauzzo was my team captain and she led by example throughout the day (and night!).

Most embarrassing moment?

Probably my dance moves at the ball.

If you decided not to pursue a career in law, what would you be?

If I wasn’t going to be a solicitor I think I would have been a ski instructor. It was law or nothing for me. So I think I would have changed career paths completely and escaped to the mountains.