April 2
How Flex helped Tom kickstart his legal career at Mondelez
Case Studies
Olivia Collicott
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Meet Tom: A Flex Trainee on his way to qualification at Mondelez
Tom’s journey to becoming a lawyer wasn’t your typical path. After self-funding his LPC and navigating a series of financial services roles, breaking into the legal world seemed like an impossible challenge. But Tom’s passion for law never faded. Thanks to the Flex Trainee programme, he found the support and opportunity he needed to thrive.In this case study, we delve into Tom’s personal and professional experiences: from the hurdles faced in breaking into the legal industry to the empowering moments shared with fellow trainees in the Flex Trainee programme. Join us as we explore the highs, the lessons learned, and an exciting future ahead for a talented aspiring lawyer.
What did your personal journey into the legal industry look like?
I studied law at the University of Reading after always knowing I wanted to study law. I was always told as a young child I love arguing and talking so thought law would be the ideal career. Whilst studying I really enjoyed learning about the complexities of the English legal system and why it's mirrored throughout the world and I’ve also always been interested in business and commercial news, and how the biggest companies in the world have an impact on our everyday lives.I did not always feel confident I would be able to make it into the industry, after self-funding my LPC I worked in compliance in financial services and then as a consultant in financial services in a law firm. Whilst both were great roles I struggled to find legal roles in the fields I wanted and after 2/3 application cycles I definitely started to lose motivation. However, I did always feel confident that becoming a lawyer is something to inspire to because it is a role that is focused in the service of others, upholding one of the foundations of this country and I’ve always known this is the type of impact I’d like to have in a career.
“I struggled to find legal roles in the fields I wanted and after 2/3 application cycles I definitely started to lose motivation.”
Tom Castel
Do you feel the legal industry is accessible enough to aspiring lawyers?
I think the implementation of the SQE means that achieving the goal of qualification is in some ways more accessible than ever, with the removal of the requirement for a training contract. Aspiring solicitors now have a wide range of options available to them and can now tailor their QWE, however the difficulty of the SQE exams means that many aspiring solicitors still face the same issues under the previous LPC/TC regime.I think that more now than ever is being done to target BAME and lower socio-economic background aspiring solicitors to ensure there is diversity of thought and culture within the profession, but as always there’s still a way to go before I think all aspiring solicitors truly feel empowered to enter the industry.
How has the Flex Trainee programme influenced your experience?
I found the Readiness Programme really eye-opening because it felt really empowering being around so many people from a similar background to myself who had all faced struggles and were now also successful in gaining QWE. It not only gave me further confidence in my own abilities seeing other people like me succeed around me, but also helped knowing I have a good support network of like-minded individuals from similar backgrounds that I can reach out to if I have any issues or problems.I found the Readiness Programme itself really useful. It was quite intense, a lot of hard work in a short space of time, and working very closely with a large cohort you’d never met meant that friendships were formed quickly; but I found that the skills and the confidence I learned throughout the programme has really helped me to hit the ground running and also succeed in my role in the first few months.
Being part of a cohort with trainees at different organisations is also really useful as it allows us to exchange ideas about how to solve problems and deal with difficult situations. Whilst of course not disclosing anything confidential, it's really nice to see what kind of work the other trainees are getting up to and share tips to similar issues/problems we might be facing.
“I found the Readiness Programme really eye-opening because it felt really empowering being around so many people from a similar background to myself who had all faced struggles and were now also successful in gaining QWE.”
Tom Castel
Can you talk to us about what kind of work you’ve been doing, and what the highlights of your placement have been?
My work at the moment is really varied and I think it’ll stay that way throughout my entire placement. My supervisor is responsible for marketing-related queries so the bulk of my work comes from her, which involves drafting and reviewing T&Cs for promotions, reviewing any artwork for ads, and packaging for promotions we’re currently running.I also work on the procurement side with other team members, which involves reviewing contracts where the business is buying goods and services, or terminating them. I also review quite a few NDAs for work we provide to other companies through one of our subsidiaries. I conduct a lot of ad-hoc legal research on both marketing/advertising related matters and points of contract law when drafting, or in the case of any disputes we may have.
Where do you see your career heading in the future following Flex Trainee?
Following Flex trainee, I’m personally not entirely sure where I expect my career to go. I really enjoy in-house life and my current placement, however I know there are so many experiences out there that will help me develop personally and professionally that I haven’t even considered.Long term, I would love to either be a partner or GC within the next 10 years, then I’d really love to start my own business/firm in the legal industry. I think giving back is really important and I’d also love to be in a position where I can mentor junior lawyers/aspiring solicitors and help them get into the profession.
“Being part of a cohort with trainees at different organisations is also really useful as it allows us to exchange ideas about how to solve problems and deal with difficult situations.”
Thomas Castel
Finally... what 3 pieces of advice would you give to new trainees joining the programme to get the most of the scheme? And what should their supervisors be thinking about to get the most out of their trainees?
- Connect with all the speakers on the Readiness Programme and reach out to them afterwards. They not only give their time freely, but they are usually more than willing to help with any questions or advice you have afterwards and it’s a useful exercise in building connections.
- Stay in touch with your cohort. You will develop deep bonds, and you will likely all end up in a place you could never dream of, so you never know where your next job or career path could come from.
- Embrace newness and uncomfortableness. They’re both excellent catalysts for growth and change, and once you learn to be comfortable outside of your comfort zone, you’ll really start to excel.