As Coole Bevis prepares to open applications for its 2025 Traineeship Scheme this July, we caught up with Kirsty Tuite, one of our newly qualified solicitors to share their journey through training, qualification, and what it’s really like to work at the firm.
From balancing LPC studies to gaining practical experience across departments, this Q&A offers an honest and insightful look into life as a trainee at Coole Bevis, and why it’s a firm where ambitious legal professionals can truly grow.
Whether you’re exploring your route to qualification or actively applying for training contracts, Kirsty’s story is packed with practical advice, real-world perspective, and a glimpse into the supportive culture that sets Coole Bevis apart.
Tell us a bit about yourself and your career so far
I graduated from The University of Bristol with an LLB Law degree before returning to Sussex, where I grew up.
In February 2019, I joined Coole Bevis as a Paralegal in the Family team. During my time as a Paralegal, I completed the LPC as a part-time student. I commenced my training contract in September 2022 and qualified into the firm’s Family team in September 2024.
What made you decide to qualify into your current department?
I went into my training contract with an open mind, unsure what I wanted to qualify into. I enjoyed my Family seat as it was fast paced, with a high level of client contact and no two days the same. Family felt like the best fit for me as I found the work rewarding, varied and engaging.
What is a typical day like as a newly qualified solicitor?
After checking my inbox and identifying what tasks need to be prioritised for the day, I often check in with my Head of Department to discuss my caseload. My day-to-day working week varies and depends upon what appointments and deadlines are in my diary, and whether anything urgent arises. I largely work on my own client matters but I also have opportunities to support my colleagues with their caseload, for example ahead of an upcoming hearing where there is a flurry of activity. Whilst our Family team is based in the Brighton office, we book meetings with clients at all of our offices, so I frequently get the chance to visit our other offices.
“I largely work on my own client matters but I also have opportunities to support my colleagues with their caseload, for example ahead of an upcoming hearing where there is a flurry of activity.”
What influenced your decision to stay at Coole Bevis after completing your training contract?
Coole Bevis has been a great firm to work for. They provided support and flexibility to enable me to complete my studies for the LPC part-time, whilst I worked as a Paralegal at the firm. They also offer a quality, well-rounded training contract that focuses on building your legal skills and supporting you to grow your network. Coole Bevis has a strong reputation in Sussex for its legal services, so I knew that the firm was an environment I could thrive in and continue to develop my legal knowledge.
“They also offer a quality, well-rounded training contract that focuses on building your legal skills and supporting you to grow your network.”
What is a valuable lesson you learnt during your training contract?
Don’t overcomplicate drafting, it is best to keep things simple and easy to follow.
How did Coole Bevis support you through your training contract?
I was assigned a training supervisor in each seat who supported my development during my time in their department and ensured that I gained a breadth of experience to prepare me for qualification. My supervisors dedicated time to answering my questions and giving detailed feedback on the tasks I had completed, and this contributed to my learning and development. Coole Bevis is a friendly firm, so training here was a great opportunity to work with different colleagues across the offices.
The firm’s training principal is the first port of call for trainees if they need support or have any questions about the training process and SRA competencies. Our training principal organised regular check-ins and encouraged us to reflect upon the skills we were developing and set objectives for each seat, to ensure we got the most out of our training.
“Our training principal organised regular check-ins and encouraged us to reflect upon the skills we were developing and set objectives for each seat, to ensure we got the most out of our training.”
What was the transition like from trainee solicitor to qualified solicitor and how did Coole Bevis help this transition?
It is definitely a step up from being a trainee, but the firm helped ease the transition by offering induction training and I have regular check-ins with my head of department. Our training principal’s support extends beyond the end of the training contract and the firm is mindful that support is necessary through the early stages of your career to enable you to thrive.
What advice would you give to someone seeking a training contract or qualification under the SQE route at Coole Bevis?
I recommend being proactive, saying yes to opportunities and to not be afraid to ask questions.
Thinking about your next step in law?
Applications for the Coole Bevis 2025 Traineeship Scheme open in July 2025. Follow this link to find out more about Coole Bevis’s Trainee Solicitor Programme.
Recent news & insights
