Third-seat trainee Aidan Chan and first-seat trainee Deya Shergill, currently based in the firm’s Bedford Row office, answer several quick questions on life as trainees at Russell-Cooke so far.
Q: Most memorable moment at Russell-Cooke so far?
Aidan:
There are a lot to choose from and some matter-specific ones can’t be discussed on this blog due to client confidentiality, but I'd say the 'execs conference' (attended by all trainees, associates and senior associates at the firm) in Westminster when I first joined was an impressive event.
Deya:
Attending a hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice in my second week.
Q: Favourite trainee social to date?
Aidan:
ABBA Voyage (sorry you missed this one, Deya).
Deya:
The trainee BYOB pottery painting social was a highlight for me! We definitely have some undercover artists in our cohort…
Q: Favourite thing about the Bedford Row office?
Aidan:
The lounge area across the road in 37 BR is where everyone congregates for lunch.
Deya:
Dogs in the office.
Q: Best thing about training at Russell-Cooke?
Aidan:
The trust your colleagues put in you.
Deya:
Most definitely the people.
Q: What surprised you the most about working at Russell-Cooke?
Aidan:
How approachable and supportive everyone is in a busy work environment.
Deya:
How much client contact you get straight away.
Q: Your go-to lunch spot near work?
Aidan:
Zipbap has been a recent favourite, and there are a lot of choices on and around Red Lion Street next to Bedford Row.
Deya:
Usually I pack a lunch, but if it’s a Friday I might treat myself to something from Leather Lane Market (which Aidan is no stranger to either).
How do you unwind after work?
Aidan:
The Russell-Cooke five-a-side football session on Tuesday night at the Wandle is a regular fixture in my diary.
Deya:
Trying out new places to eat in London or playing tennis.
Q: Describe your training contract so far in three words
Aidan:
Involved, nurturing, enjoyable.
Deya:
Stimulating, sociable, varied.
About Aidan and Deya
Aidan Chan is a currently a third-seat trainee in the private client team whilst Deya Shergill is a first-seat trainee in trust and estate disputes team.
Applications for Russell-Cooke's 2026 spring vacation scheme and 2028 training contract are open from 7 November 2025 until 6 February 2026.
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