Testimonials
Hear from current candidates and alumni about their experiences on the programme.
Success Stories
Ever year, candidates engaging with the programme go on to utilise the skills they have developed from our workshops, exclusive firm events, and coaching to secure training contracts. Read below testimonials from a few of them.
Bailey James, CSH 2020-2023 Cohort
Future Trainee at Clifford Chance
​
"The CSH information and skills events (e.g. the personal branding event, application writing event, Irwin Mitchell event, White & Case commercial awareness event, etc.) were helpful in two main respects. First, I learned more about commercial law (practice areas, importance of commercial awareness) and the legal industry (differences between firms) which helped me to demonstrate why I wanted to go into commercial law.
Second, I developed a range of skills including application writing (writing concisely and coherently in a structured way), interview preparation (how to structure questions, the importance of preparation), commercial awareness (why it is important, how questions surrounding commercial awareness are asked, case study analysis), and confidence (through getting to know better how to conduct myself, and the route to becoming a solicitor and knowing what it takes), which helped me in applications and interviews.”
Jude D'Alesio, CSH 2019-2022 Cohort
Future Trainee at Shearman & Sterling
​
​“The CSH Programme provided invaluable insight into the legal profession and specific law firms which would otherwise have been unavailable. The opportunity to network with lawyers from prestigious firms during exclusive events provided thorough points for discussion when I attended interviews and eventually secured a training contract. Moreover, meeting fellow like-minded candidates gave an insight into the standard of competition and how I could improve my own credentials.”
Yshana Docherty, CSH 2019-2022 Cohort
Future Trainee at Travers Smith
​
​“At first, I was sceptical of CSH. Overwhelmed by applications, assessment deadlines and law fairs, I thought to myself: there’s no way that breaking into the legal industry can be a streamlined process. I couldn’t have been more wrong. Even throughout the pandemic, CSH was on a roll with constant, engaging and insightful events hosted by various law firms across the city as well as weekly negotiation training and mock interviews.
Securing a training contract was an arduous process, but knowing I was supported throughout that journey by an amazing cohort of CSH candidates, team and schedule of events meant I was able to achieve my full potential. I am proud to be a CSH candidate: promoting an environment where everyone believes that their authentic selves will be valued within the legal industry has never been more important.''
Adam Badawy, CSH 2019-2022 Cohort
Future Trainee at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer
​
"CSH was instrumental in helping me obtain a training contract. During the pandemic, the CSH team organised an array of training days, exclusive events, and commercial awareness workshops. Combined with a fantastic diverse cohort that I could rely on, I was able to overcome my imposter syndrome, build confidence, and break into the industry."​
Current Candidates
Hear from candidates from our current cohort (2021-2024) on their experiences on the programme so far!
India Hartsonge, CSH 2021-2024 Cohort
English Law and German student at King's College London​
​
"For underrepresented and proactive students looking to kick-start their career in commercial law, the support and training provided by 'City Solicitors Horizons' (CSH) is unparalleled. From exclusive law firm insight evenings to mock interview and negotiation sessions, candidates are given a platform to flourish, becoming well-rounded and highly skilled individuals attractive to future employers.
Featuring the opportunity to gain one week of work experience at one of the programme's sponsor firm offices, joining CSH gives candidates additional, rare practical exposure to the profession of a commercial solicitor. I can think of no better investment a student could make in their legal career so early on and strongly encourage all those eligible to apply."
Olivia Blackall, CSH 2021-2024 Cohort
Law student at the University of York​
​
“CSH provides me with opportunities I would never have experienced if I was not a candidate on the programme. For example, at home I do receive support from my parents when it comes to my studies however no one I know has a career in the legal sector. CSH allows me to network with like-minded people and provide me with a mentor of what the next steps are, ultimately guiding me into the career I am working hard for, a solicitor. It also allows me to build skills and guide me in the right direction. I especially like the commercial awareness training as not many places offer this support, which is one of the main reasons, I applied to be a candidate on this programme.”