I completed my undergraduate LLB programme at Queen Mary University of London, followed by SQE 1 and SQE 2.
I was not someone who always knew I wanted to become a lawyer. After finishing high school, I decided to enter the job market rather than pursue further study simply because it seemed like the obvious next step. Looking back, those early experiences were what gradually shaped my interests. Through these experiences, I came to see law as a foundation that would allow me to understand how people and businesses operate while continuing to appreciate my interests in the things that led me to it.
The main reasons I chose legacy Taylor Wessing, now Winston Taylor, were its approach to training and its strong reputation in technology transactions. The firm’s approach fits particularly well with how I learn, as it gives trainees real responsibility while also providing support through ongoing training and learning programmes. Having now worked on a major private equity deal in the technology space, I can definitely say that the experience has been exactly what I expected in terms of both the level of training and the depth of expertise we have in technology transactions.
The training contract is made up of four six-month seats across different practice areas, with mandatory corporate and contentious rotations to give us broad exposure. We have mid-seat and end-of-seat reviews, which are great for reflecting on progress. Beyond fee-earning work, I’m also a part of the Trainee Solicitor Council, the representative body for trainees across the firm.
It varies, but having done two transactional seats, most of my day is usually managing deals, drafting and reviewing documents and handling emails. I also join deal briefings and client calls, which lets me see how transactions progress.
For me, the biggest attraction is the problem-solving. There is something satisfying about taking a difficult issue and gradually making sense of it. The work is intellectually challenging, but it is also very people-focused since you learn from more experienced lawyers and ultimately help clients with problems that matter to them.
Balancing competing priorities without compromising quality is probably the biggest one. You have to stay organised, pay close attention to detail and meet tight deadlines, all at the same time. Managing the expectations of different people can also be demanding, but it is a really valuable skill to develop in a client-focused profession.
It can be tempting to think you always need to be working when you start out. However, knowing when to switch off helps you recharge and come back with a clearer perspective. For me, that means staying active, trying new sports or hobbies, going to music events, spending time with friends and family, reading and watching sports.
I would say emotional intelligence, commercial awareness and problem-solving. You need to communicate well with clients, especially under pressure, understand the business context behind their issues and then find practical solutions. They must all work together.
A big one is that it’s all about memorising the law. Clients don’t just want to know what the law says. They want to know what it means for them. That’s why skills like commercial awareness, judgement and communication are just as important.
The rapid development of AI really stands out for me. It has the potential to make legal work more efficient, but it also raises important questions around accuracy, confidentiality and professional responsibility. As a trainee, I think the key is to build strong fundamental legal skills while staying open to new technology. The profession is evolving, and we need to evolve with it.
Diversity matters to me because the profession serves people from all kinds of backgrounds, and having different perspectives makes it stronger. But it has to go beyond recruitment because it’s about making sure people feel included, supported and able to progress. Things like outreach, mentoring and fair progression opportunities all help make the profession more representative of the society it serves.
My immediate goal is to become a well-rounded solicitor with strong technical skills. Longer term, I’d like to continue my development in commercial law and become someone colleagues and clients trust with difficult problems. Qualification is a big milestone, but for me the learning never really stops.
Don't worry if you don’t have your whole career figured out at the beginning. I certainly didn’t. My route into law developed through many experiences, and at the time I didn’t necessarily know where they would lead, but each one helped me understand myself and my interests a little better. Don’t be afraid if your route looks different from somebody else’s. There is no single path into law.
