It is well known that gaining work experience is one of the most vital things you can do when starting out your career journey. It helps you to know whether the career you’re interested in is actually right for you, whilst also helping you to develop your confidence and practical experience within a working environment. However, especially within the Law sector, it is difficult to find a friendly place that offers experience and not just filing and/or making coffees and teas.
Fortunately for me, the Colchester branch of Fisher Jones Greenwood were kind enough to offer me an insight week into the life of working at a busy, but friendly, Law firm.
As someone studying History, with no practical experience in law, to say I was slightly apprehensive on my first day would be an understatement. However, walking into the reception and greeting the helpful receptionist, Chloe, and Su Barker, Training & Knowledge Co-ordinator, I immediately felt at ease. Su gave me a schedule of how my week would be, introduced me to the whole office, and explained I would be working in Human Resources and Private Client.
On that day, in particular, I was able to visit a client with one of the employees, giving me a real insight into how to properly to conduct yourself with a client.
Throughout the rest of the week, I worked in Family, Commercial and Commercial Property departments, learning how to draft documents such as:
- A Consent Order (Family)
- A Share Purchase Agreement and a Disclosure Letter (Commercial)
- A Lease and a Rent Deposit Deed & License to Alter(Commercial Property)
Each of these documents I drafted were analysed by a partner and I was given feedback on what I did right, and how to improve in each of the documents which was extremely helpful.
The last day was ‘Development Day.’ This gave me a chance to chat with Tony Fisher, a Senior Partner at FJG, giving me invaluable advice on how to start my career in law. Then I was given a mock interview and CV feedback. I cannot stress enough how this is not something to worry about. Anthony and Andrew were extremely helpful, and friendly, just offering advice and positive criticism for me to improve my job skills with.
Finally, I am writing this blog, reflecting on my time at FJG. This week has been an amazing experience for me, and if you are looking at gaining experience in a career in law, I would highly recommend applying for FJG’s work experience programme. A friendly, but hardworking place which will challenge your abilities, whilst getting the best out of you.
Written by Amy.
If you are interested in work experience at FJG, please contact Su Barker, Training & Knowledge Co-ordinator- [email protected]