Emma Peart, The Legal Practice Solicitors

Emma Peart is a trainee solicitor at a high street firm known as The Legal Practice Solicitors. She graduated from the University of Abertay Dundee with a degree in European business law.

Clients at a high street law firm

My clients come to me for advice on family matters – divorce, financial settlements, child contact or elderly care issues – or civil claims, where I may represent the directors of small businesses. Some of my clients are elderly, so this may involve meeting them, their relatives and the staff within their care homes. I enjoy family work and would like to become completely specialist in family law.

The job has involves instructing barristers

Typically, I work from 8.45 am to 6.00 pm. I am often surprised by what can suddenly happen in a day – I think the most interesting thing I have ever encountered is visiting a client in prison regarding contact with his child. Filing documents with court is a daily task, eg drafting and filing a divorce petition or a consent order for a financial settlement. For elderly clients, this may involve filing an application to register a power of attorney or deputy. If the matters are complex, I might instruct a barrister – in which case, I will attend a conference with the client and the barrister to discuss key issues.

Individual attention during your training contract

In a high street firm, you are given plenty of individual attention during your training; your commitment is noticed; and you are, hopefully, rewarded by progressing up the organisation’s ladder more quickly. When considering becoming a high street solicitor, make sure you feel able to communicate and empathise with clients.