From early dreams of defending justice to securing a training contract within months of graduating, Joanne’s journey into law is a testament to hard work, resilience, and a genuine passion for helping others. Now a qualified solicitor at Warners, she shares what inspired her to pursue a career in law, the milestones that shaped her path, and her advice for aspiring legal professionals.
From a young age, I was always fascinated by law. At the time, it was mainly criminal law and the justice system. I loved the idea of standing up for others and being a voice for those who needed one. That desire to advocate for people has remained with me and continues to be the drive behind my passion for law today. There’s something incredibly empowering about using legal knowledge to support others.
I started working at a law firm just two months after completing my LLB. I joined as a credit control handler, primarily dealing with in-house debt recovery matters. I was given a lot of responsibility early on, which really pushed me to learn quickly. This did not go unnoticed. After just three months, I was offered a training contract.
Good time management has been a lifesaver. I make a lot of notes! For deadlines, to schedule follow-ups, and break tasks into manageable steps. I start each day by checking my emails and calendar, identifying priority tasks first, and leaving room for the less urgent ones. If I complete the priority tasks earlier than expected, I use the time to start the remaining workload.
Without a doubt, qualifying as a solicitor has been the highlight of my career to date. It represents years of hard work, late nights, and learning. Seeing that effort come full circle has been an incredibly proud moment.
Time management is important, it’s a busy environment, and being organised helps everything run more smoothly. Practical skills are equally important, applying the legal knowledge that you learnt from your studies to real scenarios is a big part of the transition from student to solicitor. Research and analysis are essential skills too, you never stop learning.
I joined Warners immediately after qualifying. What really stood out to me was the firm’s values, its commitment to client care, and the opportunity to work alongside experienced and respected professionals. It felt like the perfect environment to take the next step in my legal career, and so far, it’s been exactly that.
At Warners, we’re proud to support the next generation of legal professionals. If Joanne’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
