Tag: musings

  • One Year Post Qualification – thoughts and musings.

    Yikes! That went fast! It has now been one year since I qualified as a solicitor. It feels like just yesterday when the time between training and qualification, but only a few months seemed like a lifetime. Waiting for that confirmation that my practicing certificate had been granted and I had been admitted into the noble profession I had worked so hard to get into. But now, I’m a fully-fledged solicitor, with all the responsibilities and challenges that that entails. I have documented some of those difficulties for you to read, and I really hope that you have enjoyed and gleaned something from my own experiences – both good and bad!

    There is no doubt in my mind that it has been a steep learning curve, moving from apprentice solicitor (with some form of safety net) to full-on solicitor, working things out as I go with sometimes a little dread and fear but marching on anyway. All being said I have loved every minute of it. I’ve had the opportunity to work on many cases and take responsibility for them. Meet and work for some amazing clients, some of whom have terrified me and some who have made me laugh a great deal with their amazing sense of humour and attitude to life. I have continued to learn much about the law and seem to learn new things each and every day. I work with amazing colleagues who guide and support me.

    Of course, there have been some tough times too. There have been cases that have been emotionally draining, and there have been times when I’ve felt like I’ve been in over my head. But I’ve always managed to pick myself up and keep going with the help of those around me. One of the main things that will stick with me is that you should never be afraid to ask for help or talk to someone. We sometimes have this idea that we are expected to work and deal with things on our own, but that is certainly not the case.

    One of the things I’ve enjoyed most about being a solicitor is the feeling of making a difference. I know that the work I do can help people, and that’s a really rewarding feeling.

    I’m still at the beginning of my career, but I’m excited to see what the future holds. I’m looking forward to continuing to learn and grow, and to making a positive impact on the lives of others.

    Here are some of the things I’ve learned in my first year as a solicitor:

    • The law is constantly changing, so it’s important to stay up-to-date.
    • It’s essential to be able to think on your feet and adapt to new situations.
    • Communication is key. You need to be able to clearly explain complex legal concepts to clients.
    • Problem-solving is an essential skill. You’ll often be faced with difficult cases that require creative solutions.
    • Resilience is important. There will be times when you feel overwhelmed or defeated, but it’s important to keep going.
    • Never feel alone – speak up and ask for advice, help or someone else’s opinion – a fresh perspective can be a great help!

    If you’re thinking about becoming a solicitor, here are a few things I would recommend:

    • Get as much experience as you can. Volunteer at a law firm or legal aid clinic.
    • Get involved in extracurricular activities related to law. This will help you develop your legal skills and network with other lawyers.
    • Do your research and choose a law school that’s a good fit for you.
    • Be prepared to work hard. Becoming a solicitor is a challenging but rewarding career.

    Here is to year 1 and hopefully many more to come. I would love to hear from you and be able to advise help, guide or just read an email from a reader and your thoughts. Email me at hello@learninglawyer.co.uk or reach out on Threads, X(Twitter), or Instagram.