Wednesday 27.02.2008

Trainee Solicitor Secures Brussels Secondment

Aruna Limoli, a trainee solicitor in the Sheffield office of national law firm Halliwells has secured a much sought-after placement at the UK Law Societies' office in Brussels. Aruna begins her six-month secondment on March 1st.

Following an intense interview process in London where Aruna had to give a formal presentation, answer a tough Q&A session on EU law and demonstrate her fluency in Italian and French, she was unconditionally offered one of only two available places.

Steven Fennell, partner at Halliwells and Aruna's Training Principal in Sheffield said:

"I can't think of anyone better suited to represent the firm in this environment. Aruna is an extremely talented lawyer and fluent in several languages.

"Her time in Brussels will without doubt widen her personal expertise and, ultimately, add to our existing ability to do cross-border and European work for our clients here in Sheffield.

"Being offered this place is an achievement in itself and we all wish her the best of luck."

Commented Aruna:

"Everyone here has been incredibly encouraging and supportive all the way - it really means a lot.

"European and International Law is my passion and now I get to be a direct witness to all the policy and law making processes."

She added:

"I will be working on a number of areas including law reforms, anti-money laundering regulations, competition law and lobbying on behalf of the whole profession.

"Being involved in the drafting and implementing of new legislation at this level is a unique opportunity – one I am thrilled to have. The environment will no doubt be fast-paced and challenging but right now I am confident and excited about the whole experience. Hopefully the Belgians won't laugh too much at my French!"

The UK Law Society in Brussels acts as the voice of the solicitors' profession in Europe, involving itself with professional practice matters and law reform and legal policy. It offers only two trainee secondment places every six months; one for England/Wales and one for Scotland. During her stay, Aruna will be sharing an office with solicitors from the German Federal Bar, the Austrian Bar and the German Architects Association.

About Halliwells

Halliwells is one of the UK's leading multi-disciplinary law firms with over 1000 people and offices in Manchester, Liverpool, London and Sheffield