Trainee solicitor calls on students to complete work experience

A trainee solicitor at a Warrington law firm is urging law students to carry out work experience in order to help them get their first step on the career ladder.

Lauren Singh secured a coveted trainee solicitor role in July 2018 and has spent the first half of her two-year training programme at Watsons Solicitors in the family department. Prospective lawyers complete a two-year professional training programme at a firm of solicitors, which includes gaining practical experience in at least three areas of the law, in order to become qualified.

Lauren believes her time on work experience at Watsons in 2016 played a crucial part in being offered the trainee solicitor position.

“I’m not sure I would have been aware of the opportunity had I not completed work experience at Watsons,” she said.

“Law students should seek placements at as many law firms as possible because you never know where your first step on the career ladder is going to come from.

“In addition, I was also able to use my work experience to help me during the interview process. For example, I could demonstrate that I was already aware of how Watsons worked and that I could hit the ground running.

“Trainee solicitor roles are hard to come by, but that one week played a crucial part in joining the firm.”

Lauren graduated with a degree in Psychology from Salford University before studying for a Graduate Diploma in Law at Manchester Metropolitan University. She then completed the Legal Practice Course, graduating with a high commendation in 2016.

She has previously worked at Slater and Gordon as a fee earner in the industrial disease department as well as at JMW Solicitors as a paralegal working in the business crime department on the Hillsborough disaster.

Now 12 months into life as a trainee solicitor, Lauren is looking forward to completing her programme and becoming fully qualified.

She added: “The team at Watsons have been brilliant. They are always happy to help and I have the confidence I can approach anyone with a query and they will do everything they can to support me.

“I’ve always been very interested in family law and employment law, and I am very fortunate to spend time in both during my two years.

“I am close to completing 12 months in the family department and I’ve loved every minute.

“It’s a cliché, but no two days are the same. My tasks have included taking initial instructions, attending court hearings, liaising with clients, and attending meetings with local authorities and social workers.

“I will be with the wills and probate team for the first half of my final 12 months, and it’s an area of law I’ve not worked in before so I’m looking forward to learning new skills and exploring how this department operates.

“My background is in employment law, so I am naturally excited to join the employment team for my final six months.”

Watsons Solicitors, which has been established for more than 60 years, specialises in family law, employment law, wills and probate, and conveyancing.

Its experienced solicitors each hold accreditations and memberships of professional bodies relevant to their expertise, while the firm’s partners oversee all areas of work.

Anyone interested in finding out more should contact Watsons Solicitors on 01925 571 212.