Why I love being a solicitor
I am sure we have all spoken to various lawyers who say they wouldn’t enter the profession if they had to do it over, who wouldn’t recommend working in law to their children, and if they had the chance to go back and choose a different job, that they would.
Today, I'm here to represent those of us that do love our job, and to let you know it isn't all doom and gloom. If you’re reading this, I am assuming you're considering becoming a lawyer, and you might possibly be doubting that choice? Well, I hope this helps you with your decision.
Hello, I am Samantha Buckthought. I am a Partner at Wolferstans Solicitors in Plymouth and I have been a solicitor for over 20 years.
I knew I wanted to be a solicitor from quite an early age. I wanted a career that would constantly challenge me and enable me to work and help people every single day.
Some people ask why I didn’t become a barrister. One of the main reasons was because I wanted to work with my clients face to face. I wanted to be a part of their entire legal journey from start to finish, rather than just doing a piece of the work. A key part of my job is translating complex legal documents to my clients in a way they understand. Some clients often feel very overwhelmed and confused with legal terminology, so to be able to explain this and reassure them is very fulfilling. The most rewarding part of my role is when someone comes to me with a legal problem, which I can help them solve. Knowing that I have had a real impact on their lives means so much to me.
As a private client lawyer, I have long-term relationships with the individuals and families I have acted for over many generations. I enjoy the continuity and familiarity that comes with that. It’s lovely to be regarded as someone’s ‘lawyer’, their ‘go to’ trusted person when they have a legal query, even if it’s not something I specialise in.
The law is constantly changing and influences everything that we do. I was always fascinated by the rules, the history, the cases, the technicality of what the law says in the background, which can seem so formal, but which affects everyone, from buying and selling houses, to litigation, to crime.
Being a solicitor is challenging. No two clients are the same, so the role is never static. You are constantly adapting and changing to suit a client’s needs. Dealing with complex and complicated documents, for example, against a background of law that is fluid and changing, means you are always thinking and analysing. It never gets stale.
It’s challenging in other ways too; it is a profession that is heavily regulated and has the highest standards. That was something that always appealed to me. You aren’t just a solicitor during office hours, as it permeates every aspect of your life. You are regarded, and expected, to have high professional standards and are an officer of the Court.
When you enter a career in your 20s, you are looking for something that will still stimulate and excite you throughout your working life. I am very fortunate that still now; I feel passionately about the work I do and feel genuine excitement and pleasure in working with clients and finding solutions for them.
If you are thinking of becoming a solicitor here at Wolferstans, we have a friendly team of people happy to help you with any questions you might have. We also offer work experience which you can find more information about here.