Degree qualification and year of graduation: Politics BA (2023)
What degree/qualifications did you study and where?
I studied an undergraduate degree in Politics at Durham University, before moving to London to study the PGDL and SQE at BPP University.
Why did you decide on a career in law?
Although I studied a non-law degree, I have had a long-standing interest in law. I ultimately decided to train as a solicitor because it combines the elements of work I find most rewarding: the opportunity to solve complex problems, work closely with clients and develop interpersonal relationships, and operate in an intellectually stimulating environment that requires continuous learning.
Why did you choose to train with X firm?
I chose to join Travers Smith after completing a Vacation Scheme in 2022, during which I was impressed by the firm’s supportive atmosphere and collaborative culture. I was particularly drawn to the unique room-sharing system, through which trainees sit with up to three other qualified lawyers, usually including a partner and associate. This provides an unparalleled opportunity for trainees to work alongside, and learn directly from, experienced lawyers. These factors confirmed to me that Travers Smith would be an exciting and dynamic place to embark upon my legal career.
Tell us about your training contract. What did/does this involve?
My training contract takes place over two years, during which I will complete four seats of six months each, rotating across different practice areas. My first seat has been in Tax, and I am about to move into the Dispute Resolution team. Travers Smith requires all trainees to complete a Corporate (Private Equity or M&A/Equity Capital Markets) seat as well as gaining experience in a Contentious seat (Dispute Resolution or Employment).
What kind of tasks do you complete on a typical day?
Every day is different, but some of the main trainee tasks that I have been involved with in the Tax department include drafting documents, conducting legal research, proof-reading, organising documents, attending internal or client meetings and taking notes, and communicating via email with lawyers at the firm, opposing counsel, and the client themselves.
I have been pleasantly surprised by the ownership and responsibility that trainees are encouraged to take towards their work. The associates allow trainees to take a hands-on approach, for example by having a first go at drafting a client note and undertaking complex legal analysis, which they can then review. In Tax, I have also been tasked with relatively extensive research tasks, which has included checking legislative provisions, HMRC guidance, and regulations, and applying them to a client's circumstances.
What do you enjoy about being a solicitor?
What I enjoy most about being a solicitor is the variety, with no two days or matters being the same. This keeps the work consistently engaging. Being a solicitor is very intellectually demanding, which is often a challenge, but it makes for a very rewarding and interesting career. I also really value working in a collaborative team alongside incredibly talented and driven lawyers who push you to develop professionally. The strong sense of teamwork and community I have found since beginning my career in law has made what could have been a demanding transition into a corporate environment far smoother and more enjoyable than I anticipated!
What are the challenges?
The main challenges for me so far have been maintaining a work-life balance and dealing with perfectionism - which are both something that I am sure many lawyers struggle with! I have also found the process of changing seats and adapting to new practice areas and new teams to be challenging. However, whilst difficult, it is ultimately an important part of developing resilience and a breadth of experience during your training contract.
How do you strike a healthy work/life balance?
As mentioned above, finding a good work/life balance has been challenging, but is something that I have tried to improve upon throughout my training contract. As your working hours can often be unpredictable as a trainee, I have personally found it very important to prioritise making time for myself in the morning before the working day begins, by going to the gym, a run, or opting to walk to work. I have also tried to ensure that my weekends have a good mix of socialising with friends but also sufficient rest to allow me to recover before the following week. Fortunately, Travers emphasises the importance of a healthy work/life balance and I have found that my time, particularly over the weekends, is genuinely respected where possible.
What three qualities are important for a career in law?
I think that resilience, attention to detail, and interpersonal / communication skills are some of the most important skills for a successful lawyer.
Can you debunk a myth about working as a solicitor?
I think one of the myths about a corporate solicitor is that it is almost entirely focused on strong technical legal knowledge and memorising the law. During law school, and particularly since working at Travers, it has become clear that this is purely a myth. Whilst a deep knowledge and understanding of your specialist area of law is very important, the role of a solicitor is much more focused on the interpretation and application of the law, with commercial awareness and problem-solving at the forefront.
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