We caught up with Alex Walters, a Solicitor in the Commercial Property team at Warners, to hear about his journey from trainee to experienced solicitor. Alex reflects on the path that led him to Warners, the value of advice and teamwork in overcoming challenges, and how the firm’s trainee programme enabled him to develop as a professional. His story highlights the importance of building a strong foundation of first-hand experience in order to gain and strengthen transferable skills.
My undergraduate degree was in Geography, so law wasn’t always the obvious path for me. However, from a young age, I was keen to understand what a legal career actually involved. I made a point of seeking out work experience across both solicitors’ firms and barristers’ chambers. That breadth of exposure gave me a genuine feel for the profession early on and it was those experiences that ultimately convinced me to pursue law seriously.
I was drawn in particular to how commercial transactions are structured and how legal problems get resolved in practice. Property appealed because it combines real commercial stakes with genuine legal complexity and that combination has kept me engaged ever since.
A significant part of securing the Training Contract came down to building experience before applying. I undertook work experience at a number of firms and subsequently worked as a paralegal, which gave me a grounded understanding of what legal practice actually looks like day to day. The paralegal work I undertook wasn’t directly linked to commercial property, but the knowledge and habits I developed during that time proved pivotal. I carried a great deal of that knowledge and experience forward into my training and it gave me a foundation that purely academic preparation wouldn’t have provided. For anyone considering applying, I would strongly recommend getting hands-on experience early.
Managing pace and volume. Commercial property moves quickly. There are multiple matters at different stages running simultaneously. Warners were very supportive throughout my training and continue to be to this day. There is always someone to turn to for guidance, and that makes a real difference when the pressure is on. Over time you develop the instincts to prioritise effectively but having that backing early on is invaluable.
I believe a large part of this comes down to organisation and clear communication. Understanding what is genuinely urgent versus what simply feels urgent is half the battle. I try to keep clients updated even when there is no material progress to report. This builds confidence and reduces unnecessary chasing. Beyond that, keeping a clear structure to your day and reviewing priorities regularly rather than simply reacting to whatever lands in your inbox makes a considerable difference over time.
That the gap between academic law and practice is wider than most people expect. Technical knowledge from the LPC matters but much of what makes you effective is learned on the job. Warners gave me early exposure to substantive work, which accelerated that learning considerably.
At Warners, we’re proud to support the next generation of legal professionals. If Alex’s journey has inspired you and you’re ready to take the first step in your career, we encourage you to apply for our Trainee Solicitor Programme.
Applications are open now – click here to find out more
