Debenhams Ottaway is pleased to welcome two new trainees

Debenhams Ottaway is pleased to welcome two new trainees, continuing with our focus of developing the next generation of lawyers.

Nadine Darwish and Anisah Choudhry join our successful training programme that offers ‘seat rotations’ allowing trainees to gain knowledge and experience in different areas of law, helping them shape their decisions when they qualify.

Anisah originally joined Debenhams Ottaway in November 2023 as a legal assistant in the commercial property team and has started her training contract in the Wills, trusts and probate team.

“I am incredibly excited about starting the trainee programme and I looking forward to the opportunity to continue my development with Debenhams Ottaway… I have gained invaluable experience as a commercial property legal assistant already and helped the lawyers in the team on a range of different property transactions. Not only did I develop a strong understanding of the law, but I was also able to build my confidence through the excellent mentoring I received which enabled me to progress to my current role.“

Nadine began her training contract in March 2025, previously working as a paralegal for over three years at a City law firm.

Nadine shares “I am happy to have joined Debenhams Ottaway as a trainee solicitor and my experience has been fantastic so far! Everyone has been so welcoming, friendly and are always happy to take time out of their day to explain their area of work and answer any questions.

I have been involved in client matters and attended meetings which really shows the high level of exposure and involvement given to trainees from day one. I am looking forward to gaining knowledge and experience and working with colleagues in different departments with the rotation of trainee seats.”

Partner of the commercial property team and training partner, Ruth Boulton comments, “We are delighted to be able to offer young aspiring lawyers’ an excellent start and solid foundation to their legal career and are so pleased to welcome Anisah and Nadine to the trainee programme. We are passionate about supporting all our trainees to develop their skills and personal growth skills within various areas of law.”

With many of our partners and lawyers starting out as trainees at the firm, Debenhams Ottaway is a great place to start a career in law. The long running trainee programme has been very successful and our most recent success in March 2025 saw three of our trainees qualifying as solicitors and they have chosen to continue their legal career with us. You can read about their journey here.

If you are interested in a training contract or a career in law you can find out more about Debenhams Ottaway and our current vacancies here.