201 Professional Experience

2. 201 Professional Experience By Nancy Cameron

3. Struggle to find placement • When I was first made aware of this assignment I knew that the most difficult part would be finding a placement. Each time I applied and asked around the answers were not solid. • I decided to go for something different which was to apply for placement in a solicitors office and the outcome was successful. • I found this a very useful task but again quite difficult because I was not completely sure what my placement would involve.

4. Teaching myself new skills • Before I went in on my first day at Samuel Ross solicitors I decided to research what would be expected from me. I researched the solicitors office that I would be working at and wrote down goals that I would like to accomplish by the end of my experience there. For instance know what I am seeking to achieve, build contacts/ networking whilst I’m there and try to use my initiative to get involved more as possible.

5. Expectations & Needs • My first day there was a little frightening as I was allocated what I was going to do and what would be required from me. Solicitors provide expert legal support and advice to clients but my job was to organise the paper work from different cases which were to do with immigration, housing law and property & employment.

6. Also I was able to assist with taking notes whilst a solicitor spoke to a client and took some of their instructions. • I have carried out a multitude of tasks and responsibilities at Samuel Ross Solicitors also putting together cover letters for various solicitors and corresponded with clients and other firms.

7. Key work activities which I got to experience • negotiating with clients and other professionals to secure agreed objectives • researching and analysing documents and case law to ensure the accuracy of advice and procedure • checking all documentation prior to signing and implementing • keeping up to date with changes and developments in the law by reading journals and law reports. • drafting documents, letters and contracts tailored to the client’s individual needs.

8. Positive things about placement • It gives you an opportunity to help others • I have been able to build up more on my writing skills which was one of my goals • It helped me with my intellectual challenge • This experience has made understand that the skills I developed from here can serve me in many careers such as legal consulting, management, writing, mediation and academia. • Flexibility was another key thing as the solicitors have the opportunity to make their own hours and set their own fees.

9. On my journey of placement I noticed that lawyers are involved in many of the most influential and complex commercial ventures, providing clients with beneficial legal solutions to the toughest legal challenges

10. Negative things about placement • There were so many deadlines to keep up with at one point I was starting to get a little frustrated because I think the solicitors forgot that I was a learner. Even though I was put under pressure I know that it is not only the media industry that has tight deadlines but other work forces as well. I did not get to attend a court hearing which was very upsetting but my overall experience at the solicitors office was very beneficial. • Most of my days I did pretty much the same thing which was taking notes, writing cover letters and organising paper work. I would have like to been more diverse in all aspects of the job but unfortunately this did not happen.

11. Cover letter & CV

12. Overall experience • This experience has increased my ability to relate academic theory to the work environment • It has enhanced my career knowledge • It was a very useful task to carry out as it really made me think about what I would be doing and how I could use my academic knowledge and experience whilst on placement • It also helped to set out what I wanted to learn and what skills could be achieved from different aspects of the job, which could be useful in a future career whether it be in the media industry or something related to this

13. The process of this whole experience taught me a great deal about evaluating what I can achieve without the complete information before hand, which is a skill I can take with me for the future. I am now equipped with the necessary skills to construct a well presented CV, know how to apply for professional jobs in the industry and portray myself effectively in interviews. • I now know that a solicitor is not just about court appearances but is an accessible adviser on many other matters involving the law. • Each mistake I made whilst on work placement taught me something new and I learnt how to work and progress from my mistakes.