What inspired you to pursue a legal career?
I was first introduced to the legal profession through my dad, who was a lawyer. I had early exposure to what a career in law could look like. At school, I naturally leaned towards humanities subjects and enjoyed anything that involved analysing and critical thinking. Law felt like a good fit for that. As I went on to study law at university, I liked that it wasn't just academic; it's practical and problem solving, and you're helping people or businesses navigate real situations.
Why did you decide to train with LegalVision?
I was drawn to LegalVision because it felt different from a traditional law firm. Its unlimited legal services membership model and focus on technology really stood out to me, as it reflects where the legal industry is heading.
I also liked the idea of getting hands-on experience early on and being trusted to work directly with clients, rather than observing from the sidelines.
How did you apply for your training contract and what did the application involve?
I applied directly through LegalVision's job search website, which involved completing an application form followed by a three-stage interview.
The process focused not only on legal knowledge, but also on how you think, your commercial awareness and whether you'd be a good fit for the team.
I also took the time to understand LegalVision's business model, which helped me explain clearly why I wanted to be there, rather than giving a generic answer.
What kind of tasks do you complete day-to-day as a solicitor?
My role is quite varied. I regularly draft, negotiate, and review commercial contracts and advise on a range of commercial matters.
A big part is speaking with clients, understanding what they actually need, and giving pragmatic advice rather than being overly legalistic.
I also work on a variety of General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) matters, including reviewing and drafting privacy policies and advising clients on data protection compliance.
What part of your job brings you the most satisfaction?
I enjoy helping clients in a way that feels genuinely useful. Often, clients just want clear, straightforward advice, and being able to simplify complex matters for them is really rewarding.
What are the challenges?
One of the main challenges is that certain areas of law aren't always clear-cut, so you often make judgment calls rather than rely on a straightforward answer.
It can also be challenging when there isn't a single 'right' answer, and you need to weigh up different approaches depending on the situation and the client.
Legal training can be intense. How do you strike a healthy work/life balance?
It's something I've had to be conscious of, especially while studying alongside work. I try to stay organised and be realistic about what I can get done in a day.
Outside of work, I make an effort to properly switch off, even if it's something simple. That makes a big difference when things get busy.
What work experience have you completed on your path to becoming a solicitor?
During university, I worked at an immigration law firm during term breaks, gaining early exposure to client-facing work.
I also completed work experience in family law over the summer holidays. After graduating, I spent some time tutoring students before moving into a property law-focused role.
I then joined LegalVision, where I've gained the most hands-on experience in commercial law and developed my skills by working directly with clients.
What three skills should all trainee solicitors possess?
- Interpersonal skills - being personable helps build relationships with clients and colleagues.
- A proactive attitude - this means not waiting to be told what to do and taking ownership of your work.
- The ability to receive feedback - be open to constructive criticism because there's always something to learn, especially early on in your career.
What type of person would suit this career?
Someone who is willing to learn and doesn't expect to know everything straight away. You need to be comfortable asking questions. It helps to be able to organise and manage different tasks at once. Being approachable and easy to work with makes a big difference, too.
What are your career ambitions?
I'd like to build on my experience in commercial law and take on more complex matters as I progress.
In the longer term, I want to be someone clients trust to go to for clear, practical advice.
Can you debunk a myth about working as a trainee solicitor?
A common myth is that you need to have all the answers straight away. In reality, it's more about how you approach problems - being able to think things through, ask the right questions and then find a solution.
My experience has also demonstrated that trainees aren't just limited to administrative tasks; you're often given real responsibility early on.
What advice can you give to others considering a training contract?
Try not to compare your path too much with others, as everyone gets there in different ways.
Focus on gaining practical experience wherever you can and on understanding why you want to do the job. Remember that it's a commitment.
This comes across much more in applications than in just saying what you think firms want to hear.
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