A spotlight on Thomas Giles: trainee solicitor and IronMan

Thomas Giles (left) raising money for the Movember Foundation

Sometimes your role of solicitor isn’t just working on client cases but making choices that improve business operations, external relationships and the community. Our trainee solicitors have responsibility from day one to make decisions that will impact the future of the business. We sat down with Thomas Giles, one of our trainees who is nearing the end of his training contract and has gained experience in a range of different areas at Minster Law.

What have you done prior to securing a training contract at Minster Law?

I studied Law at Nottingham Trent University, then completed LPC whilst working part time at the Coroners Court. Civil litigation was something that I really enjoyed and the thoughts of helping clients rebuild their life and their families will be rewarding in itself.

How far are you into your training contract at Minster?

I started my training contract in September 2018, although I actually started at Minster Law in the March, I’m due to qualify in September!

What seats have you taken so far?

As I’m coming to the end of my training contract I have done my rounds at Minster, I have worked in many areas across the business. When working in the catastrophic injury team I worked on large multi-million claims as well as working alongside an experienced associate. During my business seat I focused on developing external partnerships with S.U.R.F (Spinal Unit Recreational Fund) which helps rehabilitate patients and is based out of Pinderfields Hospital. I also had the opportunity to host assemblies across three primary schools, teaching over 400 students about road safety awareness week. Other seats, including personal legal services and the specialist bike team saw me develop skills in different areas.

Which has been your favourite seat so far?

Hmm this is a difficult one, I’ve enjoyed every seat, each one has been an opportunity to learn something new and get hands on experience. I have thoroughly enjoyed working in the Catastrophic team. The opportunity to work alongside some of the most experienced solicitors has been an experience in itself. Equally Multi-track has been an opportunity to work alongside experienced solicitors, a little more hands on then catastrophic at this stage in my career and came with various opportunities such as leading application hearings.

You are Minster famous for your charity work, which event did you enjoy the most?

I like to get involved with charity work and enjoy giving back, one of the most memorable was the IronMan challenge in Germany A 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride and finishing in a marathon (26 miles). Myself and colleagues raised over 5k for  the Movember Foundation, something I’m proud to have done.

What would you say has been your highlight so far?

I was working on a case where the Third Party applied for a claim to be struck out early in the representation. I went to the court hearing to represent our client and the judge ruled in our favour.

How has Minster Law’s training contract prepared you for post qualified life?

The whole process has been so supportive. The support has been very good in every team I’ve worked in and nothing has been too much trouble. Having that confidence has given me the chance to grow. It can be difficult to balance the job along with other duties such as the charity work, employee engagement, presentations and research, which is the foundation of a well-rounded solicitor. Having that support mechanism has given me the tools to look at things from a different perspective and succeed in the legal industry.

Careers at Minster Law

We look for people who can be their selves and embrace our values: Stand Together, Be Courageous and Find a Way. Minster Law is committed to providing a trainee solicitor programme that is accessible to all. You can find out more about our training contracts here and our vacancies here.