Solicitor, Cheshire

I became interested in law from a young age, following a talk at my high school by a solicitor from a Manchester city centre law firm. I asked the solicitor afterwards if I could do some work experience at his firm and he agreed. I thoroughly enjoyed it so I sought out further shadowing opportunities with local barristers and solicitors during school holidays. Seeing first-hand the passion and excitement that a career in law can bring guided me to choose a career in the legal industry.

I remember enjoying the fast-paced environment. No two days were the same and some of the cases I assisted with and attended court for were fascinating. I also saw the compassionate and caring side to being a legal professional in assisting clients through often distressing and traumatic times.

Although I had decided on a legal career, I was unsure about the route I wanted to take. After my A-levels I went on to study English literature at the University of Leeds. While at university I became a member of the law society and attended events which helped me decide the type of law I wanted to pursue. I then completed the Graduate Diploma in Law at BPP University. The transferable skills I gained in my degree helped to nurture some of the skills I needed for my legal studies and my day-to-day work now. I’m aware that a lot of students opt for the GDL; however, if I had my time again, I would go straight into a law degree after college.

'I consider my time as a paralegal before securing a training contract crucial in my development. It meant that when I was offered a training contract, I could accept confidently with knowledge of the work and dedication required to be successful'

I began applying for training contracts but appreciated that, apart from shadowing in the school holidays, I had little experience working in a legal environment. I took a job as a paralegal at a personal injury firm and then moved to a city centre practice working as a paralegal in the regulatory department. I knew I wanted to be in litigation, so when the opportunity presented itself in 2018 to move to Bridge Law Solicitors to become a paralegal, with the future opportunity of a training contract, I seized it.

I began learning how to manage the fast-paced and high-demand environment almost immediately. I was assisting on international probate litigation and taking on my own small claims caseload, for which I was also doing the advocacy. It was definitely the deep end but it moulded me into the lawyer I am today. It made me much more confident in my ability to think on the spot and adapt quickly. I also completed my LPC while working as a paralegal at Bridge Law.

I consider my time as a paralegal before securing a training contract crucial in my development. It meant that when I was offered a training contract, I could accept confidently with knowledge of the work and dedication required to be successful. I felt fully prepared because I knew I could complete the work expected of me and deal with the many different situations that come with litigation, such as attending at court.

I was delighted when Bridge Law offered me a training contract in 2019. I was already an integrated part of the team and had built up strong professional relationships with my colleagues and supervisors. So, moving on to the next stage of my career, surrounded by a supportive team that already knew me and my capabilities, was definitely beneficial to my progression and something I am very thankful for.

I would recommend that any aspiring solicitor should try to secure a paralegal role at a firm they wish to work at or at a firm that practises the area of law they wish to pursue. Save for having more responsibility and a bigger caseload that carry higher-value work, my work has not differed tremendously in my paralegal to solicitor journey.

My most fond and memorable career highlight is receiving my practising certificate. It felt extremely rewarding to finally become a solicitor after a long and dedicated journey of five years.

 

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