From Graduate to Newly Qualified Solicitor at Giles Wilson

I graduated from university in June 2019, and I joined Giles Wilson in December 2019, as a paralegal. In between finishing university and joining Giles Wilson I worked as a Legal Advisor in Tanzania. As I am sure you can imagine my first day at Giles Wilson was quite different to my previous job. I had never worked as a paralegal, and I had no idea what to expect from the role. Although I had no prior paralegal experience at no point did, I feel out of my depth or unsupported. I collaborated with various solicitors in my team, assisting with several types of cases. As a paralegal I did all different administrative and legal tasks such as preparing invoices, preparing Court bundles, preparing a claim form etc.

In March 2020 I enrolled on to the LPC and LLM so that I could develop my knowledge and eventually qualify as a solicitor. Shortly after I was offered a training contract with Giles Wilson and in January 2021, I started my role as Trainee Solicitor. My route to qualification will look different to the new cohort of solicitors who will be taking the SQE. With that said, I am sure my experience at Giles Wilson will be the same. Collaborating with trainees and paralegals, who were also studying, meant that I had ongoing support and assistance and working alongside my studies was helpful because it allowed me to apply the theory I was learning.

Before starting at Giles Wilson, and even as a paralegal, I had no idea what area of law I wanted to work in. I often had discussions with my supervisor about what areas of law I enjoyed and what area of law I saw myself qualifying into. I expressed an interest in family law and as a result I worked closely with our family law solicitors to develop my knowledge and understanding. I am grateful that Giles Wilson provided with me with the opportunity to explore different areas of law throughout my training contract as it allowed me to better understand what kind of solicitor I wanted to be and what I enjoyed.

Fast forward to July 2022 and I qualified as a solicitor! Although it was difficult at times juggling studying, working and a social life, I have thoroughly enjoyed my journey to qualification. My three years at Giles Wilson have provided me with a valuable insight into both civil litigation and family law and I look forward to developing further as a qualified solicitor at Giles Wilson.?