LawCareers.Net
What do you do day to day?
I work in the commercial litigation department, mostly dealing with breach of contract claims, as well as some claims for misrepresentation and professional negligence. I mainly cover consumer disputes, so anything from pursuing ‘cowboy’ builders for substandard workmanship or mechanics for defective vehicle work - I’ve even worked on a claim for a defective wedding dress! I also cover a lot of holiday claims and work on some property disputes.
There are many different elements to my role, including instructing counsel, attending client meetings and mediations, and corresponding with the other party. It is always interesting and varied.
What do you most enjoy – and find the most challenging – about your apprenticeship?
I most enjoy meeting, working and socialising with a range of clients and colleagues. I regularly work with members of our employment and insolvency teams. I love helping a variety of clients to resolve a range of issues and disputes. It can be a challenge to deal with clients in difficult and distressing situations – many come to us in a state of upset and frustration, having tried everything to try and settle their dispute – but being able to deal with those situations is excellent experience. It can also be quite a time pressured environment with long hours, but that is counteracted by the benefits we can offer to our clients.
What is your best piece of advice for those considering applying for a legal apprenticeship?
Be focused and determined – this is not a half-hearted option or an ‘easier route’ to university, which I think is a common misconception of the apprenticeship scheme. Working in a professional environment, you have to be able to cope with the pressure and pace that comes with litigation. I think it’s also important to show your personality if you want to stand out in the recruitment process – you sometimes get caught up in what you think is expected of a lawyer, rather than focusing on the ethos of the firm and what they might be looking for. Apprenticeships are changing the legal sector and it’s a new and developing area; if you can show your personality and put your stamp on things, you will go far.
09 Sponsored by
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs