Top tips for aspiring Trainee Solicitors
I always knew from a young age that I really wanted to be a lawyer. My Grandad was an expert witness in maritime law, and it fascinated me! He would tell me about Court hearings and being involved with Counsel. It led me to choosing law as one of my A-Levels and then going on to study my LLB Law degree with the University of Plymouth in 2014.
During my time at University, I applied for a work-based learning module on medical law and ethics which included a work placement at Wolferstans Solicitors in their Medical Negligence department. I loved my time at Wolferstans as it provided me with invaluable experience and made me realise that I wanted to join and grow with the firm. It was also really important to me to stay in the South West near my family and by the sea with a firm that cared about their local area.
I joined the firm in 2018 as a Court of Protection Paralegal after finishing my Master’s degree at the University of Exeter, specialising in human rights and post-conflict studies. I’ve always been passionate in working in an area of law that helped people and allowed for people to have a voice. I wasn’t sure on which training route I wanted to go down and I deliberated between CILEX and the SQE for some time.
Eventually, I decided that the SQE route was definitely for me and since starting my studies in January 2021 I have passed the SQE1 examination. It has been a difficult road whilst working full time but it has flown by and I am now a Trainee Solicitor, hoping to qualify in 2023. I will undertake my SQE2 in the Autumn of this year.
My top tips for Trainees and anyone hoping to apply for a training contract:
• Choose a firm that aligns with your ethics – being happy in where you work will naturally lead to a great working relationship with your firm and clients.
• Whether you are working in the office, hybrid working or working from home, take time to participate in your firm’s social calendar whether that is in person or virtual events.
• Take at least 10 minutes each day to check in with a colleague and fellow Trainees.
• Never be afraid to ask questions.