Behind the Scenes: Training as a Solicitor at Wolferstans – Q&A with Ikra Ghani
Today, we have the pleasure of sitting down with Ikra Ghani to learn about her journey into qualifying as a solicitor at Wolferstans LLP. Ikra will be sharing insights into her background, her training experience, and the valuable lessons she’s learned along the way.
Q: Can you provide a brief overview of your background and what led you to pursue a career in law?
Certainly! I didn’t have any previous experience in law before university. In fact, I didn’t even study it at A-Level. It was a leap of faith for me to pursue law at university, but I was inspired by attending law conferences during my higher education, which sparked my interest in the relationship between law and everyday life.
Q: How did you come to join Wolferstans, and what attracted you to the firm?
A: I’ve always been fascinated by medical law, and Wolferstans’ reputation in medical negligence work caught my attention. During my work experience here, I was impressed by the expertise and the supportive environment, which confirmed that this was the place for me to start my solicitor journey.
Q: Could you share some highlights from your training experience at Wolferstans?
A: There have been so many highlights! I’ve had the opportunity to attend a criminal judgment in the Crown Court, observe a 5-day inquest in Exeter, and even sit in on a Supreme Court hearing in London. These experiences have broadened my legal knowledge and shown me the variety of work that Wolferstans handles.
Q: What specific skills have you gained during your training that you find most valuable for your role?
A: The practical skills have been invaluable, but more importantly, I’ve gained confidence in speaking to clients and networking with professionals from all walks of life. The collaborative environment here has encouraged my growth and learning.
Q: Were there any notable challenges you faced during your training, and how did you overcome them?
A: Adjusting to changing seats and learning new areas of law was challenging, but open communication and support from my colleagues helped me navigate these challenges successfully.
Q: Can you highlight any specific projects or cases that you found particularly rewarding or challenging?
A: Preparing a witness statement for a fatal claim that led to a successful mediation was incredibly rewarding. I’ve also enjoyed navigating disputes such as landlord-tenant and bankruptcy disputes, which have challenged me and helped me grow as a solicitor.
Q: In what ways have you contributed to Wolferstans Solicitors so far?
A: I’ve been involved in various activities, such as participating in the upcoming Lawnet walk, attending university law fairs, and organising "Meet the Trainees" events. These opportunities have allowed me to contribute to the firm’s visibility and engage with the community. Additionally, I have actively participated in fundraising initiatives, which have been immensely fulfilling. Furthermore, my efforts in organising events for aspiring solicitors led to our trainees being recognised as the 'Team of the Year' at our annual Christmas party awards.
Are you looking for a training contract at Wolferstans Solicitors?
Training as a solicitor at Wolferstans has been an incredibly rewarding journey for Ikra. She’s gained invaluable experience, developed essential skills, and made meaningful contributions to the firm. If you’re considering a career in law and are passionate about making a difference, Ikra, newly qualified solicitor who secured a position in our medical negligence team upon finishing her training contract, encourages you to explore opportunities at Wolferstans.
Stay tuned to find out about the training opportunities we have at Wolferstans Solicitors by following us on social media @Wolferstans.