Degree: Theology, University of Oxford
GDL: Oxford Brookes
LPC: OXILP
After graduating I worked in the charity sector in the UK and Ireland for a few years before deciding to return to university to study law. I wanted to work outside the City, but did not want to compromise on the breadth of experience I would receive. Henmans was the obvious choice, as a regional firm with an excellent reputation and a variety of departments headed up by partners with expertise in their fields.
I started my training contract in the clinical negligence department. This was a first rate opportunity to get involved in a dynamic team with a really varied workload. I went to client meetings; reviewed medical notes and expert reports; attended conferences with counsel; drafted pleadings and reported to clients, insurers and the Legal Services Commission on the progress of the files they were funding.
When I moved to the dispute resolution team, my first month was spent preparing for a week long commercial litigation trial which I was able to attend in full. This was an amazing opportunity to experience, first hand, exactly what is involved in the preparation, presentation and conclusion of a case. During my time in this seat I also went to a number of mediations, without prejudice meetings, and client meetings.
My third seat was spent in the private client department and I gained experience in drafting wills and deeds, researching tax queries, dealing with the administration of estates on behalf of individual and charity executors, and assisting in some aspects of our Court of Protection work. It was part of the my role as trainee in this, and the other departments, to review professional journals and law reports and produce regular updates for the fee earners on developments in the law and changes to practice regulations.
In all departments I had frequent one to ones with my supervisors. As part of the training programme all trainees have a mid-seat review and, at the end of the seat, a full appraisal with HR, so ensuring trainees receive regular, helpful feedback on progress and development. As a trainee, I found there was a strong support network between the trainees which is invaluable, particularly in terms of sharing our learning. Henmans’ trainees also co-ordinate regular local events for young lawyers, providing a social forum through which relationships with other local professionals have grown and strengthened.
For my final seat, and subsequent qualification, I returned to clinical negligence. I enjoy being part of a team where I am actively encouraged to take on new challenges, to think creatively and to take initiative with the work in which I am involved. I have found that post-qualification supervision is well structured, and I appreciate the advice and support of my team, who have ensured that the transition from trainee to NQ was as painless as possible!