William Hagerty, Solicitor in our Corporate Law team, joined FJG as a Graduate Solicitor Apprentice in August 2022. Before focusing on corporate law, he gained valuable experience with both our Commercial Property and Dispute Resolution teams, which gave him a beneficial foundation in different practice areas.
Exploring the practical side of law
Originally from Kent, William studied Law at the University of East Anglia (UEA), graduating with a 2:1. He focused on business and corporate law modules and credits UEA’s well-regarded legal programme for equipping him with the skills and knowledge he now applies in his work.
“UEA gave me the opportunity to explore the practical side of law, which has been instrumental in shaping my career so far.”
William has qualified through the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE), which he completed in February 2025. The SQE was introduced in 2021 as a pathway to qualification that combines academic study with hands-on experience. This route appealed to him because it allowed him to work and study simultaneously, while also reducing the time needed to qualify.
“What I love about the SQE route is how it lets you refine your skills in a real-world setting while still building a strong theoretical understanding.”
A passion for law
William’s passion for law stems from a natural inclination for problem-solving and a desire to make a tangible difference.
He discovered an enthusiasm for corporate law while at university, finding its dynamic nature and underlying principles of contract law particularly fascinating.
“It’s amazing how contract law forms the backbone of so much corporate work. Being able to apply what I learned at university in real-world scenarios has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my training”
The power of mentorship
Mentorship has also played a key role in William’s development. During his time at UEA, he participated in the Law Society Mentorship Scheme and was paired with UEA alumnus Monty Chamberlain, an experienced corporate law associate.
Monty guided William through early career challenges and has continued to offer invaluable advice.
“Having a mentor in the same area of law has been so helpful, I’m encouraged to always think about the bigger picture, which has been crucial in building my confidence and understanding.”
Finding balance
Balancing work and study has been one of William’s biggest challenges, especially during the intensive preparation required for SQE 1 and 2. However, he finds that being certain about his career path keeps him motivated.
“If you’re sure law is the right career for you, the hard work feels worthwhile.”
Volunteering with the Norfolk Community Law Service during his degree confirmed his passion for law and gave him valuable insight into the impact it can have on people’s lives. He encourages aspiring solicitors to gain practical experience early on to ensure they’re on the right path before committing to a qualification and the hard work it entails.
The virtues of patience and attention to detail
For current trainees, William emphasises the importance of patience and attention to detail. “Rushing through tasks can lead to mistakes,” he advises.
“Taking the time to fully understand the context behind your work not only improves your performance but also helps you grow as a professional. It’s the details that often matter most, and being methodical allows you to see the bigger picture and deliver better results.”
Achievements and future goals
William is proud of the milestones he has achieved so far, including passing SQE 1 and 2, where he scored in the top quintile on one of the two papers.
“Scoring in the top quintile was a really rewarding moment – a culmination of all my dedication and hard work.”
Another highlight has been his involvement in high-value, complex transactions:
“Complex and high-value transactions are challenging but incredibly fulfilling. They’ve helped me grow my skills and build confidence, which will serve me well throughout my career.”
Looking ahead, William is excited about continuing his journey in corporate law. With a strong theoretical foundation, increasing proficiency in applying theory to practice, a passion for problem-solving, and a clear focus on professional growth, he’s looking forward to making a meaningful contribution to the field.
“I have no doubt I’m in the right place to succeed. I’m enjoying what I do and am fascinated by what I’m learning both theoretically and in practice. This opportunity really is giving me the very best of both worlds. Reflecting back on the last few years, at times they have been far from rosy. Trying to manage working and studying led to long days and longer nights. Trying to keep up with learning new material, as well as stay afloat in my role within the team was almost impossible. However through sheer determination and perseverance and my desire not to let myself down, I achieved top marks in both SQE 1 and SQE 2 as well as a newly qualified solicitor role here at Fisher Jones Greenwood LLP in the Corporate team where I have established myself.”
To learn more about routes to becoming a Solicitor, see our Careers page.
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