Break Through The Bar

ELEANOR GROVES

I had a quite linear journey to becoming a solicitor.

I did A Level Law, law with criminology (for a bit of theoretical essay writing), graduated with a first. Started as a paralegal in a growing firm, completed my LPC masters part time in my evenings. TC during Covid (which was interesting) and qualified back in 2022.

I met my current firms recruiter at a law fair in Liverpool and really loved the ethos of the firm of internal promotion as opposed to external TC applications. It really seemed like a place that valued hard work and merit. I started working there after graduation and impressed one of the owners who wanted me in his department.

I was assigned to a senior solicitor who had a specialism of claims of a beauty/cosmetic nature and it just clicked. It became my area and I’ve grown my team from just me to 5 lawyers plus paralegals and secretaries. Day to day does vary as litigation is not always predictable.

As a manager I spend a lot of time checking others drafting, reviewing their cases and helping mould them into fantastic lawyers. I spent a lot of time on the phone to clients, advising and taking instructions and also drafting court papers and trying to settle matters. We have had a few matters recently that have garnered public attention such as the Liquid BBL and Mitchum deodorant injuries.

I have had some interesting surgical matters too such as breast augmentation and rhinoplasty’s gone wrong. Litigation skills vary dependant on practice areas, but having a human touch in PI is so important, being assertive when coming to defendants but not aggressive and learning the difference will go very far in negotiations of settlements.

Advice to anyone trying to break into the profession is have skills that come from not necessarily working in law. Work in hospitality or retail. Learn how to speak to people these are great skills to have on your CV. Find an area you genuinely find interesting and read about. True interest in a topic will always shine bright! And get involved with your law society, make friends with similar goals because even long past university you will find their help essential!