Growing at Ogier: trainee insights from the Channel Islands

There is no single way to learn.

Whether balancing work alongside Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) study, moving to a new jurisdiction, gaining experience across international teams or taking on responsibility from an early stage, every trainee's journey is different.

Our trainee solicitor programme is designed to provide real experience, flexibility and support at every stage. Hear from current trainees across our Channel Islands offices as they share their experiences and the opportunities that have helped shape their careers.

Lucy Wedge: trainee solicitor, Guernsey

Ogier has been supportive throughout the SQE process. One of the most valuable aspects is the flexibility to choose the training provider that best suits your learning style and needs, rather than being restricted to a single provider. That allowed me to tailor my studies in a way that worked best for me. The team were also very supportive in picking up matters when I logged off on an evening so that I could focus on my studies. 

The support network at Ogier is one of the firm's greatest strengths. Trainees have regular one-to-one meetings and structured development plans to help them progress and identify areas for growth. There is a genuine investment in developing people and helping them reach their potential.  

Importantly, the culture is incredibly supportive. People are generous with their time, which means a lot in a profession which is famously task rich and time poor. Many of the associates and senior lawyers were trainees at Ogier themselves and understand exactly what the qualification process involves, which makes their guidance invaluable.

Ben Edwards: trainee solicitor, Jersey

Getting to know the team was probably the greatest help in settling into my traineeship. Building a good relationship with your supervisor and buddy, as well as getting to know the wider team, makes the whole experience much easier. It creates an environment where you feel comfortable asking questions, which was important for my development, particularly in those first few months. Luckily, that’s something Ogier does really well and I felt supported from the outset. 

Working alongside lawyers from different teams and jurisdictions, who each bring their own experience and perspective, has been rewarding and has given me a much broader experience than I expected at this stage of my training. 

Frazer Clark: trainee solicitor, Jersey

Throughout my time at Ogier, I have had many opportunities to work on matters involving multiple jurisdictions. During my Corporate seat, I worked closely with our colleagues in Cayman and the BVI and regularly liaised with overseas counsel. One standout matter involved working with Malaysian counsel on a refinancing. This required coordination across different time zones and involved consideration of Sharia law principles which was very interesting!

I also gained exposure to cross border matters in LLS, particularly in the context of estate planning and probate, where assets, beneficiaries and advisers were often located in different jurisdictions. These matters required close coordination with overseas contacts and an understanding of how Jersey law interacts with other legal systems in the context of estate planning.

These experiences have helped me develop a broader understanding of where Jersey fits within the global picture, both in international transactions and estate planning. They have also strengthened my ability to work effectively with colleagues and counsel from different jurisdictions and adapt to different cultural and professional ways of working.

Halle Long: trainee solicitor, Jersey

What has surprised me most about my training contract is the opportunity to work with such a wide network of colleagues across Ogier's different jurisdictions and within the Jersey office across various departments. 

One opportunity that stands out is a complex fund migration on which I assisted, involving colleagues from several jurisdictions and multiple departments in our Jersey office, with our team acting as the co-ordinating team. It was fascinating to be involved in a matter of that scale, managing extensive documentation and multiple workstreams while helping to keep the process efficient and communicative.  

Being treated as an integral member of the team from such an early point in my career is something I have experienced across all my seats at Ogier. It has contributed significantly to my sense of belonging and helped me build genuine confidence as a trainee. I have also been encouraged to attend client events and business development events, which has given me the chance to broaden my social and professional network beyond my immediate teams.

Ogier's trainee solicitor programme 

Ogier has been training England and Wales solicitors for over 20 years. The success of our scheme is evidenced by the former Ogier trainee solicitors found at every level of the firm, from associate through to partner. There are now more opportunities than ever to train as an England and Wales solicitor for those who are looking to qualify through the SQE route, with several pathways to support individuals at different stages of their careers. 

To find out more about Ogier's trainee solicitor programmes in the Channel Islands, follow the links provided below: 

• Trainee opportunities: Jersey

• Trainee opportunities: Guernsey

Visit our careers page to find out about the roles we are hiring for across our jurisdictions: Jobs at Ogier

About Ogier

Ogier is a professional services firm with the knowledge and expertise to handle the most demanding and complex transactions and provide expert, efficient and cost-effective services to all our clients. We regularly win awards for the quality of our client service, our work and our people.

Disclaimer

This client briefing has been prepared for clients and professional associates of Ogier. The information and expressions of opinion which it contains are not intended to be a comprehensive study or to provide legal advice and should not be treated as a substitute for specific advice concerning individual situations.

Regulatory information can be found under Legal Notice