Trainee profiles

How our trainees see Penningtons
Find out what our trainee lawyers think of life at Penningtons and why they decided to join us:

Keith Barber

Keith Barber (London)
University of Oxford
French and Italian
"I was attracted to Penningtons because it offers a truly varied training contract with early responsibility in a friendly and supportive environment."

Katie Doyle

Katie Doyle (London)
University of Cambridge
English Literature
"I enjoy the balance of corporate and private client. The excitement of high value transactions is complemented by the personal interest that working with private individuals brings."

Sarah Gubbins

Sarah Gubbins (London)
University of Manchester
Law
"Penningtons is a friendly City firm with a diverse range of practice areas and an excellent reputation. As a trainee, I receive high quality work and close supervision from partners."

Sally Heady Sally Heady (London)
University of Leeds
English Literature and Language
"Penningtons allows trainees to benefit from real responsibility at an early stage. There is a strong sense of working as a team and a healthy work/life balance."
Anna Henry

Anna Henry (London)
University of Nottingham
Psychology
"Penningtons offers a great combination of interesting work and a friendly, supportive atmosphere. Trainees are given a varied workload from day one."

Kerra Jelbert Kerra Jelbert (London)
University of Bristol
Law 
"Penningtons appealed to me because of its strong reputation across a number of key practice areas. I am given a wide variety of work, excellent training and support."
Tom Marsom

Tom Marsom (London)
University of Durham 
History
"You can count on well structured training with constant client and partner contact together with manageable responsibility right from the outset."

James Sedgley

James Sedgley (London)
University of Bristol
Geography
"The promise of early responsibility, high quality work and excellent training made Penningtons stand out when applying. My expectations have since been exceeded."

David Taylor

David Taylor (London)
University of Nottingham
Geography 
"I chose to join Penningtons because I was impressed by how trainees are integral members of their practice area teams with well defined, challenging roles.

Harriet Woodward

Harriet Woodward (London)
University of Warwick
Law
"You can develop your skills in a really supportive atmosphere. The firm's combination of a City presence and friendly culture means that a good work/life balance is achievable."

Emma Beeson

Emma Beeson (Basingstoke)
University of Warwick
Law
"I wanted to be more than just a number. From the start of your training contract here, you feel that your personal contribution to the firm is valued."

Katie Byers

Katie Glendinning (Basingstoke)
University of Leeds
Law
"Following a vacation scheme with Penningtons, I had my heart set on working for them.  The level of training is unbeatable, with client contact, court visits and early responsibility."

Emelie Imbo

Emilie Imbo (Basingstoke)
University of Cardiff
Law and French
"I have been immersed in a supportive working environment that promotes strong learning and development.  I am thrilled to be part of such a highly regarded firm."

Jamie McCombe

Jamie McCombe (Basingstoke)
University of Reading
History / International Relations
"I chose Penningtons because it offered an appealing combination of high quality work with a friendly environment for trainees across the whole firm."

Daniel Toop

Daniel Toop (Basingstoke)
University of Exeter
Law
"I picked Penningtons because of the high level of contact between the firm's trainees and partners. This ensures that you receive top quality work and training."

Helen Wright

Helen Wright (Basingstoke)
University of Southampton
Law
"A high level of responsibility is given from day one which allows trainees to make valuable contributions and really feel part of the team here at Penningtons."

Matthew Briggs

Matthew Briggs (Godalming)
University of London
Geography
"I enjoy working outside the City without compromising at all on quality of work. The early responsibility is invaluable for developing your confidence."

William Broadbent

William Broadbent (Godalming)
University of Durham
Law
"I chose Penningtons on the basis of its reputation and have not been disappointed. Since the start I have been given a wide range of interesting work."

Jamie Lynch

Jamie Lynch (Godalming)
University of Nottingham 
History
"Trainees are given the opportunity to work on complex transactions, take part in client meetings and attend networking events. There is also an excellent support network."

Becky Marsden

Rebecca Marsden (Godalming)
University of London
History
"Penningtons lives up to its strong reputation for training. It was my choice due to the diversity of law offered and the welcoming and supportive atmosphere."

Kieran Mitchell

Kieran Mitchell (Godalming) 
University of Northampton 
Law and French
"Having worked as a travel litigation case manager/paralegal for seven years, I appreciate how Penningtons was incredibly supportive of me completing a part-time LPC."

Rhiannon Thomas

Rhiannon Thomas (Godalming)
University of Cambridge
History of Art
"I chose Penningtons because I liked the variety of work and the sense that the out-of-London offices were equally as important to the firm as its base in the City."