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From the mentoring scheme to CSR: My training contract journey

Lauren Maddock has been at DWF for nearly two years, as a Trainee Solicitor at the London office. Read her story about her role, secondment and everything she's been involved with at DWF.
At University, I was fortunate enough to be selected for DWF's Mentoring Scheme in partnership with the Leeds office. Through this scheme, I got a real insight into what life was like at DWF. The firm's culture and values really resonated with me, and I knew this would be a firm which would support me throughout my training contract and provide me with fantastic opportunities. I was also told about the secondment opportunities trainees have, which is a great way to establish and maintain professional relationships with key clients so early on in your legal career, which really influenced my decision to apply for a training contract at DWF.

So far in my role, I have completed three seats in Healthcare, Real Estate and Professional Liability. My final seat is on a client secondment at an insurance company sitting in their Professional Indemnity Claims Handling team. 

The Professional Liability team act for insurers of professionals in a variety of disciplines in respect of alleged negligence claims brought against those professionals. Another element of work the team undertakes is acting for insurers in respect of complex insurance coverage disputes. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the team. The scope of work is really interesting and I have learned a lot and felt fully supported throughout my seat. The team really value your contributions as a trainee and trust you with a lot of responsibility, which is great for your learning and personal development. 

Outside of my day-to-day role, I am co-leader of the London office's Mentoring Scheme in partnership with City University of London and Queen Mary University of London. I manage the relationship with City University and am the point of contact for the mentees and their trainee mentors. I also mentor one of the students, whom I guide and support through the training contract application process and offer insight into my experience as a DWF trainee. I really benefitted from the DWF mentoring scheme as a student, so it has been great to share my experience of the application process with my mentee, to guide them and help develop their skills and confidence. I am also part of the 5 Star Futures Programme, which is DWF's community education programme. I volunteer at the workshops we put on for the students, which are designed to help them unlock their potential by developing their confidence and employability skills. This has been a fantastic opportunity to engage with young people in the local community and help prepare them for the working world. 

I am also co-leader of the London office social committee. The aim of the social committee is to bring DWF’s London office together via inclusive social events, which is so important as people return to the office following the pandemic. I am also an active member of the Coporate Social Responsibility (CSR) committee by helping facilitate volunteering and fundraising activities to raise funds for the DWF Foundation and the local charities which the Foundation supports. 

Two things I enjoy the most about DWF are my colleagues and the business' focus on CSR.

Throughout my training contract I have been fortunate enough to develop my skills through my talented colleagues. As a trainee, they not only value my contribution to matters but have trusted me with a variety of tasks such as handling matters of my own and liaising directly with clients. This has enabled me to develop my confidence significantly which will help prepare me for qualification.

The DWF Foundation has created many opportunities for me and my colleagues to get involved with CSR initiatives that give back to the local community. For example, donating to local foodbanks and raising money for the Foundation through fundraising activities such as the annual DWF London Office Santa Run! Getting involved with CSR initiatives is a great way to get to know your colleagues whilst raising money for a great cause. I am very grateful to work for a business who has a strong CSR focus and offers support to local communities.
Lauren Maddock 767x435

"I am very grateful to work for a business who has a strong CSR focus and offers support to local communities."

Lauren Maddock, Trainee Solicitor
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