Having graduated with a degree in Law (LLB) and a Masters in International Law, Globalisation and Development from Oxford Brookes University, my time at Warners began as two weeks work experience in the Family and Litigation Teams. I was exposed to criminal, civil and family law caseloads and court hearings and enjoyed my time so much that I applied for a Paralegal position in the Family Team. After spending 9 months within the team, and with the support and guidance from the Family partners, I progressed to becoming a trainee solicitor where I was able to study for my Legal Practice Course alongside my training.
For my first seat, I worked in the Private Client Team. I would say that my early trainee experience was not what you’d typically expect, as it coincided with the Covid pandemic. That being said, it was a fascinating experiencing seeing the new world of witnessing Wills through garden windows and across car bonnets! Covid aside, I gained experience in a range of areas including Wills, Trusts, Probate and Power of Attorneys. I felt this seat gave me a great grounding for my work in other departments, especially in client care and developing client relationships, which is a really important aspect of the legal profession. The entire team were very approachable and encouraging, and I felt that anyone would be willing to help me if I had questions.
I then spent time in the Litigation department where I dealt with a huge variety of contentious areas including Employment, Contentious Probate, Landlord and Tenant, Professional Negligence, Contract Disputes and TOLATA claims, amongst others. Alongside assisting partners in their work, I was given my own (supervised) caseload. Being able to run my own matters gave me confidence in my own knowledge and allowed me to develop experience in running court cases and balancing prioritising ahead of qualifying as a solicitor. Where I was assisting on cases, I always felt very involved and was given important tasks such as preparing court papers, drafting witness statements, instructing experts, engaging with barristers and attending court hearings. This is the department I would eventually go on to qualify into. Whilst everyone has their specialist areas, the team always work closely together, and we have an open-door policy which is invaluable for bouncing ideas and creating a supportive work environment. I felt that the exposure to such a broad range of areas during my training period really helped me to broaden my legal knowledge and identify which contentious areas I was drawn to and hoped to specialise in during my future career.
As I was able to utilise my Paralegal experience to reduce my period of recognised training, my training contract extended to 3 seats rather than the usual 4. Therefore, for my final seat I returned home to the Family Team. Here, I assisted the partners with, and was given my own case load in, work related to Divorce, Financial Matters and private Children Act. Having already worked in the Family Team, I was given autonomy and responsibility for more complex matters, which were challenging but very rewarding. The partners were always so encouraging and guided me to develop my expertise, tactical-mindset and client care skills. Being involved in meaningful tasks such as preparing witness statements, attending court hearings, planning conferences with barristers and negotiating with settlement was invaluable experience in my legal progression.
Throughout my training, Warners were (and continue to be) supportive, motivating and have fostered a happy workplace environment. One of the biggest reasons I stayed at Warners is the people. Given that you spend the majority of your life working, I feel it’s really important to be in an environment where everyone is friendly, approachable and where you’re made to feel that there are no “silly” questions. Moving around departments can seem intimidating but I was made to feel a part of each team from day dot, and I felt that there was a real drive to prepare you for life as a solicitor. Since qualifying, I have felt that Warners provides the opportunity to confidently build on your training foundation and advance your career.
Early last year, I became a parent for the first time. Warners have been incredibly supportive of this and have given me the flexibility and care to continue progressing my career whilst being able to enjoy being a mum. The adjustment into this new era of my life was quite daunting but Warners made the transition easy and have helped me to thrive at work whilst maintaining a healthy work-life balance, which can be a very difficult balance to strike with young children. I am truly proud to be a lawyer at Warners.
