Natalie Smith
You studied English at Durham University. Was pursuing a career in law a difficult decision to make?
Yes, it was a difficult decision to make as I felt like I was going in a different direction from what I originally saw myself doing. I was working for a Member of Parliament at the time and I had applied to do a PGCE with a view to teaching English and Drama, so the change to law was a bit of a U-turn. Law seemed to offer better scope for career progression and I felt it would be an intellectual challenge. The summer placement scheme at Halliwells was invaluable as it gave me a taste of what life as a solicitor at Halliwells would be like. I found that this helped to convince me that pursuing a career in law was the correct path to take.
Why was Halliwells the right firm for you?
The summer placement scheme really impressed upon me how friendly everybody at the firm was and I liked the fact that the trainees were a mixed bunch, with different interests and personalities. I liked the fact that the firm was expanding and ambitious, as this made me think it would be an exciting and interesting place to work. I really liked the fact that Halliwells has northern roots and is proud of that. Moreover, the five seat training contract provides greater scope to try working in different departments and the trainees I spoke to said that the quality of work they received was high.
As a trainee solicitor, do you feel at a disadvantage to colleagues who studied Law at university?
When I had my interview with Halliwells, I had just completed my final year at university and I had yet to study law. However, Halliwells took this into account and the questions were based on current affairs issues and my own experiences rather than complicated legal scenarios. I studied the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL). It covers the core modules of a Law degree, so in some respects the GDL was quite limited as it did not provide the opportunity to study electives. However, key legal principles are still fresh in your mind after completing the course. In my opinion, developing the right skills becomes more important than extensive legal knowledge once in practice. Any degree that requires analytical and communication skills, therefore, seems to give you enough of a foundation to go on to practice law, so I don’t feel that it is a disadvantage to have studied something different at university.
You took part in the firm wide two week induction programme at the start of your training contract. How was it?
It was a really good way to get to know everybody, and the groups were mixed to give us the opportunity to speak to as many other trainees as possible over the two weeks. The practical training, such as how to use the IT systems, the phones, etc., was good as it made us more confident when we got into the offices. There were also a number of opportunities to socialise over drinks!
Best moment?
I really enjoyed the Corporate Social Responsibility Day at Boggart Hole Clough, although commuting in wellies earned me some funny looks! There was a real sense of teamwork throughout the day and it felt good to be doing something to benefit the local community. The trainee ball in the evening was also good fun, and it was amazing how glamourous everyone looked after being covered in mud just a couple of hours before.
Worst moment?
During the induction we completed a number of Professional Skills Courses. It was a good idea to get them all done early so as not to be disrupted later in the year once our seats are in full swing. The worst part was sitting an exam, but everyone did really well and it gave us an excuse to celebrate afterwards!
How well did the trainees get on?
The induction seemed to go really well, and it was a great opportunity to get to know people from the different offices. The ball was a lovely way to end the two weeks, and it meant that we got to meet existing trainees and people from next year’s intake as well. The really good thing about the Halliwells approach is that you get a lot of contact with the firm before you start your training contract. As you already know people when you start work, this makes the first day a lot less intimidating.
What book are you currently reading?
The End of the Affair by Graham Greene. After a summer of reading trashy novels, I thought I really should read something with literary merit! I am also desperately trying to learn my lines for a play I am in next month.