By Rachael Ashley in Litigation & dispute resolution, News, Real estate, Specialist units
I will shortly be approaching the end of my first seat at Knights. Since September, I have had an insight into the world of civil, commercial and property litigation and the typical (and sometimes not so typical) challenges this area of law can present.
In this seat, I have had a diverse range of experiences stretching across our litigation, debt recovery and employment departments and as a result, the learning process has continued at the same swift pace as it did in week one. On self reflection, it seems that I have also adopted elements of the mindset of a litigator, seeing potential problems before they develop into clearly litigious matters – something which I’m sure will assist when I move to other departments.
Just last week I attended a three week hearing at an Employment Tribunal in Hull. Once I arrived there in one piece after three train changes, I worked alongside counsel in an extremely interesting case which revealed lots of surprises during cross-examination of the witnesses. I am currently awaiting news of the judgment this week!
In the short time I have been part of the Litigation team at Knights I have developed from observing my first client meeting with a Partner, to managing my own files and meeting with clients on a regular basis. I have also had the opportunity to work with high profile clients on a variety of matters from property litigation to complex subcontractor disputes.
As a first seat, Litigation has set the standard for committing to excellent case management and leaving a paper trail from the opening to conclusion of a case. My first six months have undoubtedly paved the way for what I hope will be an exciting legal career and I look forward to seeing what twists and turns my second seat will present.
I am currently in my second year of study at Liverpool John Moores University. At this crucial stage in my degree, work experience has helped to introduce me to legal practice. I would suggest to anybody else in my position to carry out work experience as it gives a good insight into the practical element of law.
During my time I was given the opportunity to observe and assist the trainee’s in a number of legal activities across the main departments within the firm. I drafted a lasting power of attorney in the Tax, Trust and Private Client Department. I completed a lease summary within the Commercial Property Department, in the Employment department I drafted an employment contract and in the Real Estate Department I completed an epitome of title and I drafted a notice.
I found the firm welcoming and friendly, especially the trainees whose guidance was informative and inspiring. This has given me invaluable experience at a professional and well respected law firm.
By Work experience placement in Corporate & commercial, Litigation & dispute resolution, News, Real estate, Tax, trust & private client
Having arranged my work experience almost twelve months in advance of my placement, I was very much looking forward to working with Knights. As a mature 2nd year law student I was surprisingly nervous, however I was made to feel very welcome from the moment I arrived at the reception desk. I was given a guided tour of the office and introduced to various members of staff. I was immediately struck by the very friendly atmosphere, this was very different to what I had expected of such a large and respected law firm. My first morning was spent in the Private Client, Tax and Trusts department where I was asked to review a client file and prepare the legal documentation for the creation of an Enduring Power of Attorney and a draft client letter. I was pleasantly surprised that I was been asked to undertake real substantive legal work from the moment I began my placement.
In the afternoon I was assigned to Rachel Hackey in Real Estate where I reviewed a commercial lease agreement and completed a lease summary.
On the morning of my second day I was able to experience the Employment department. My first task was to prepare a draft contract of employment.. This was followed by reviewing a newly drafted Employers Handbook and suggesting any possible alterations and amendments.
My afternoon was spent with Rachel Ashley from the Litigation department, where I researched the objection to a landlord granting a new lease upon expiry of the previous lease to a commercial client.
My Final day arrived and I spent the morning with Tom Budgen where I was tasked with researching a potential litigation matter which involved the legal position of a ‘statutory tenancy’ and the obligations of the landlord to repair a broken drain over a shared driveway. This was a complex matter involving a number of issues.. During my final afternoon, I accompanied Dean Cox in the Corporate and Commercial Department where I was asked to review the terms and conditions for an on-line pharmaceutical company.
As an aspiring Lawyer, I thoroughly enjoyed my short time at Knights & Sons and I wish to extend my sincere thanks to the trainees, Solicitors and all the staff in making my placement such a rewarding and enjoyable experience. Knights exceeded my very high expectations of the firm and my placement reconfirmed my desire to join the firm upon graduation and to develop my future law career.
By Work experience placement in Corporate & commercial, Litigation & dispute resolution, News, Real estate, Tax, trust & private client
Having arranged my work experience at Knights months in advance of my placement, I was filled with anticipation at what lay ahead. My first morning was spent with Bernice Sowter in the Employment department. As I am presently studying an employment law module, this opportunity allowed the application of my theoretical knowledge to practical issues. Part of my remit involved assessing a possible amalgamation of three employment contracts by reviewing each contract individually, identifying potential problem areas and suggesting possible alterations. For the afternoon session I was assigned to Rachel Hackney in Real Estate where I reviewed a lease agreement and completed a lease summary. This task undoubtedly enhanced my knowledge of Land Law and Rachel’s friendly and helpful disposition was most appreciated.
The itinerary for my second morning was to experience the Litigation department with Rachael Ashley. Here, I conducted research via the internet and PLC to establish how one can disclaim property which is ‘bona vacantia’. Additionally, I researched commercial lease renewals. I enjoyed this task immensely and resultantly I am altering my module choices to include ‘Business Leases’. My afternoon was spent with Jenny Doherty where I completed a draft Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement.
My final day dawned and I accompanied Dean Cox in the Corporate Commercial department where I was tasked with researching the Bribery Act 2010 to develop a risk assessment checklist for a client. I also located a Corporate Hospitality Policy which I had previously worked on to assist with this task. During the day I was also given assignments by two solicitors; Katie Turner and Oliver Adams. Katie’s task involved researching Industrial & Provident Societies to ascertain mortgage registration with the FSA or Companies House and locating the required application form for the notification of a charge. With Oliver, I reviewed a football Transfer Agreement and evaluated the draft documentation.
As an aspirant lawyer, I feel privileged to have been afforded this opportunity. I wish to extend my sincere thanks to the trainees, solicitors and all staff involved in making my experience so rewarding. Knights’ reputation is synonymous with professionalism and this is certainly the experience that I had.
During half term the Selman family spent 3 days sightseeing in London. We had a great time travelling around on the tube to visit some memorable places. However, all the hustle and bustle of London got me thinking about whether or not I could live and work in the Capital.
London has many many things to offer from great shopping, fantastic venues for shows and if you are in the legal profession a large legal community to work in.
Overall I can see the attraction of London but there are some lovely places in the ‘regions’. Here in Newcastle-under-Lyme we are ideally placed, the Peak District, Manchester and Birmingham are on our doorstep. I’m neither a country mouse nor a City girl just content to have the best of both worlds!
My first morning was with Jenny in the Tax, Trust and Private Client department. I attended client meetings, reviewed a file on inheritance tax liability and attempted to draft a will.
After lunch I spent the afternoon with Dean Cox in the Corporate Commercial department. We looked at files and I drafted some standard commercial terms.
On the morning of the second day I was placed with Rachael Ashley in the litigation department. Rachael was working on a file concerned with the renewal of a commercial lease under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954. I assisted with some research into professional Arbitration on Court Terms.
The morning again came to an end all too soon, and after another pleasant lunch with the trainees I was moved to the property department with Rachel Hackney. At undergraduate level land law confused me, and I was dreading starting it on the LPC. Fortunately Rachel has now put the majority of my fears to bed about property law. We drafted a contract of sale together for the purchase of a registered freehold title.
My final day had arrived all too soon and I was back with Jenny Doherty in the Tax, Trust and Private Client department. Her file this morning related to Lasting Power of Attorneys.
Although my experience at Knights has been intellectually challenging, it has ultimately been extremely rewarding. All of the trainees who have acted as my supervisors over the three days have been fantastic and really made me feel like a part of the team. I would encourage anyone thinking about entering a career in law to apply for a work experience placement with the firm. It gives you a real insight into the ‘day in life of’ a trainee solicitor and I honestly cannot thank the team enough for providing me with this invaluable service!
All that remains for me to do now is fill out an application form for a training contract!!!
On Thursday 13 October 2011 I attended a Careers evening at Westwood College for years 10 – 13 with my colleague and fellow Trainee Jenny Doherty. The purpose of the evening was to give the students an insight of the different routes into the profession. It is always difficult to achieve the right balance of giving students helpful advice and encouragement to pursue a career in the law combined with the realisation of the hard work and competition they will face when trying to obtain a training contract. We hope that all the students that attended the event found it useful and if anyone has any further queries, please get in touch with any of the Trainees.
“Why have you chosen a career in law?” – A question that undoubtedly you are always going to be asked at any interview for a training contract- but what are the honest reasons why people decide to study or practice law? Is the mountain worth the climb? This was a question that I found myself asking a number of potential law students last night at a careers event in a local college and pondered over what my own response would be to such a question now.
Some claimed to have always dreamt of practicing law since they were 7 years old, whereas others seemed lured by the glistening lifestyle, bulging pay packets and luxury sports cars that they expect come hand in hand with the career. I can assure you, blog readers and potential law students, that sitting in a cold classroom at a careers event at 8pm on a Thursday night and then driving home in a Peugeot 106 is anything but glamorous! That being said, those at the top of their game in any profession are always going to reap the rewards.
It was great to see so many young people enthusiastic about going on to study law at university- some had already filled in their UCAS applications or were selecting their last few universities whereas others had just finished their GCSEs and were weighing up their options. The frightening truth is however that most of the potential law graduates had no idea how hard it was going to be to secure a training contract at the end of their studies and were unaware of just how competitive the legal marketplace is.
I hope that we didn’t frighten too many people off with the harsh reality. That being said, it is surely better to know when you are at base camp in the shadow of the mountain just how difficult the ascent is going to be- at least then if you still want to make the journey you can fully prepare (and if not, you can take a flight to the Bahamas).
Hi Bloggers! My name is Rachael and I started at Knights at the beginning of September. I am now in the second month of my training contract in the Litigation department and much to my astonishment, my brain is still fully functioning, (despite the slight information overload!). From day one I have been thrown into the deep end, entering the world of a trainee solicitor in a fast-paced and challenging way.
My supervising partner is highly approachable and I was relieved to find out that no questions are silly questions when it comes to getting a job done in the correct way. Amidst batches of inductions and training sessions, I have had the opportunity to introduce myself to existing clients and to take a hands-on approach to matters by researching key issues, writing to and telephoning clients, and even having discussions with counsel on contentious points.
Litigation has definitely presented me with a colourful introduction to my training contract. I was surprised at the breadth of legal areas which are dealt with in litigation. I have been involved in cases requiring knowledge of commercial property law, licensing, land law, trusts, professional negligence, and the list goes on. This has allowed me to contrast the focused, procedural side of litigation with the opportunity to gain a greater insight into lots of different practice areas, (something which I’m sure will be of great help when I move to other departments).
One of the reasons why I was attracted to Knights, was their commitment to CSR and marketing throughout the firm. This pre-conception has certainly been proved right and already, I have attended numerous seminars hosted at our offices and even a masquerade ball last week! It is clear that as trainees, we are encouraged to network with clients and businesses, as well as other professionals in the area.
Knights are frequently hosting events and fundraisers for a variety of different charities and causes (just last Friday, the Trainees promoted “Jeans for Genes Day”). This is something that I am looking forward to getting more involved with as my training contract progresses and it is clear that any ideas for fundraising are welcomed. It is, after all, in the trainee’s hands to organise and generate ideas for these kinds of events, so I better get my thinking cap on!
My name is Bernice Sowter and I am in my first few weeks of starting at Knights; my first seat being employment.
My route to becoming a trainee solicitor has been fairly straightforward; firstly I did my degree at Staffordshire University and remained their to study for my LPC. However as a mature student I did have a life before doing my degree. It has ranged from being a dog handler at East Midlands Airport with my dog “Charlie” to a business consultant for HMRC. I am also a magistrate sitting in both the adult and the family courts and for ten years my husband and I ran a small engineering recruitment business; I think my work in employment would have proved to have been very useful here.
I decided to apply to Knights because of their involvement within the environmental sphere, an area I found particularly interesting when studying for my degree. As I have a young family locality was also of particular importance to my decision.
I have to say I am really enjoying my first seat, it is varied, it can be hectic, but most of all the people are just great.