Law has always been a career ambition of mine as I’ve been inspired by family members who work or have worked in the legal industry. My late grandfather owned a law firm, my uncle was a commercial solicitor, my aunt is a planning lawyer, and another uncle is an Asylum judge. Law seems a natural fit as I’ve always been interested in moral debate and logic, and how that intersects with politics, human psychology and the economy. I went to Warwick University and studied Philosophy, Politics and Economics. During this time, I completed legal work shadowing, to test which career path or sector would be right for me. I spent a week at a local law firm, in their Company-Commercial department, and shadowed a CPS barrister.
Following my graduation, I wanted to further stretch/prove myself academically. Last year I did an MA in Philosophy at the University of Leeds, which tested and built on my skills in argumentation, while diving into some very interesting ethical, political and metaphysical problems. Through a personal connection, I was fortunate enough to be invited to do a week in IDR’s Harrogate office, as a ‘Paralegal Intern’, which, among other interesting exercise, involved me and another intern operating where one of us would act as a defendant, and the other as the claimant. After graduating with a distinction, I contacted IDR, as I’d enjoyed the work experience and received some positive feedback from the team. Three days in, I’m loving it! The prospect of this role leading to SQE qualification is fantastic, too.
IDR stood out to me because of the highly personal nature of the work that they do. I wanted to go into a law firm which actually made me feel like I was making a positive difference to the lives of human beings. IDR does just that.
The medium size of the firm is also a big plus. Being in the office every day means I can learn very quickly. It’s easy to get help from others, and I aim to absorb as much information from the amazing legal professionals around me, as possible. It’s a supportive environment for a non-law ‘novice’ such as myself.
A further attraction, for me, is the diversity of work undertaken by the firm, in spite of the specialist focus. Dealing with customers’ emotions, and tangled life stories, money et cetera. No two cases will be the same and I’m looking forward to interacting with clients and helping them with some quite ‘messy’ issues.
Outside of work I go on hikes, ride my mountain bike, swim, and love taking in live music and DJ sets.