Following my aspiration to become a solicitor I was lucky enough to complete three days of work experience at Fisher Jones Greenwood. I was given an insight to various aspects of a law firm.
On the first day I shadowed the receptionist where I got to experience what it is like being on the forefront of the job and being the initial point of contact for clients. I was able to briefly become aware of how the firm operates regarding clients booking appointments, meetings with clients and how individuals can seek advice. Witnessing people coming into the practice made me aware of the vast amount of reasons why people may need to seek legal advice and the precautions needed in order to do so – for example collecting two sources of ID from each individual before they can seek advice.
I also got an insight to what apprentices have to do as part of their daily work which hugely benefited me due to the fact that this is the route I desire to follow. I learned new skills by watching and working with other people such as dealing with the post coming in and out of the firm. This involved scanning it to allocate it correctly with the right reference so that it reaches the right person, as well as organising outgoing post into the right area. Doing this has enabled me to slightly have a head start if I was lucky enough to complete the solicitor apprenticeship at FJG.
On the second day I spent the day with the marketing team which highlighted an aspect which many people may not even consider relating to a law firm. It opened my eyes to a different side of the firm. I was lucky enough to attend two meetings with this team where ideas were discussed to move forward as a company, showing the way they strive to improve as a whole. Noticing their constant desire to make improvements accelerated my hope to work with the firm because it shows how the aspiration to be the best and improve. I was also able to take part in some of their pieces of work and was very interested to see how varied their work can be.
Overall across the three days, I was lucky enough to be part of a positive, inclusive and dedicated team as well as gaining an accurate insight into the work at FJG. I am extremely appreciative and enthralled to have had this opportunity.
I hope to return in the near future to fulfil my aspiration of completing the solicitor apprentice programme.
Grace Fincham