#NAW2024: Meet Aaliyah Barsby

Introducing Aaliyah, our wonderful apprentice at Fishers Solicitors. Having joined us in February 2023 through the apprenticeship scheme at Loughborough College , Aaliyah has embarked on a transformative journey within the legal profession.

Through her experience, she has honed invaluable skills and deepened her understanding of the intricacies of the legal field, particularly within our Wills and Probate department. As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, Aaliyah takes a moment to reflect on her journey, highlighting personal growth and newfound confidence.

Reflecting on your apprenticeship journey, what specific skills or knowledge do you feel you have gained that will have a positive impact on your future career?

I feel I have gained a wide depth of knowledge within my department considering how little I knew before and feel that I have gained the confidence to advise our clients to a reasonable degree. My level of empathy has also grown immensely. Working within the Wills and Probate department is a very challenging job and raises all kinds of emotions. I have gained experience from every call taken, confident in knowing now what to expect and dealing with the calls independently.

What were your expectations before starting your apprenticeship and in what ways has your perception of the legal profession evolved throughout your apprenticeship?

It is exactly how I expected it to be - a highly demanding job with a complete level of professionalism. I am very lucky to work within such a nice department where we share the same perspective on our clients and their needs during the process of bereavement.?

What have been your highlights as an apprentice at Fishers Solicitors?

Every day is a learning day! There is not a single day when I am not put out of my comfort zone, whether that is learning from MBL seminars, doing college studies, or delving more into the intricacies of my department and thinking of the future and my next steps! Also, I cannot fault the monthly Fishers Socials. It is a fantastic way to get to know the people outside of your department all whilst having fun and eating! Our networking event, Ashby Connect is also something in which I participate, and is one of the monthly highlights, being able to meet and greet new faces of the business world and see how networking improves businesses and people’s attitudes. We also have Love Business East Midlands Expo 2024 coming up in a couple of weeks, and I am incredibly excited to be part of that!

What is your biggest takeaway from this experience that you believe will be most valuable in shaping your continued professional growth?

No matter how old you are, it is never too old to be a student and step outside of your comfort zone.