A Journey from University to A Legal Career

I was given the opportunity to interview with Feldon Dunsmore three days after completing my law studies at the University of Leeds. My strong interest in Land Law at University and having been surrounded by property development in my personal life meant this created a perfect opportunity to practice law in the sector I was passionate about.

Despite my lack of practical legal experience, Feldon Dunsmore is a firm that truly sees the potential of individuals and promotes the development of prospective commercial property solicitors, giving responsibility that not all firms give.

Working as a paralegal at the firm is my first job in the legal field and one that I am thoroughly enjoying already. However, this was quite a jump having finished University a month before I started at the firm. Nevertheless, the skills I had developed at University have helped me in the transition to working life.

At the firm, we emphasise strong client relationships and customer service. Having various client/customer-facing jobs such as working at a jewellery store and working at a GP surgery has helped me hone my ability to articulate myself with clients and understand their needs which have proven to be beneficial in this role as paralegals are given the responsibility to interact with and assist clients in their commercial property needs.

Additionally, given the caseload paralegals at the firm are accountable for, managing it is a key attribute to working efficiently. Having balanced my part-time job at University alongside my role on the Law Society Committee at my University, I became competent in organisation and managing my time well. I made sure I set time aside to plan my week and manage my various obligations. However, working at a law firm, you are unaware of what the week will hold for you. Changing my meticulous organisation style to where you may not know what the day holds has been somewhat of a struggle. However, this has helped me learn to slow down and while it is good to anticipate tasks, you cannot hold onto a tight schedule. The value of getting things right takes precedence over getting things done at break-neck speed (although working quickly is still extremely important in this role).

While these are only a few of the skills I have continued to use which have served me well in this role, I have already learnt so much in the two and a half months I have been at the firm.

Feldon Dunsmore provides an abundance of opportunities for the Early Talent Team to learn and develop as young prospective solicitors. Bethan, the Head of Early Talent, provides us with fortnightly ‘drop-in’ sessions where we develop our knowledge of the work we practice in the firm. I have found this extremely useful in shaping my mind and

honing in on the analytical skills that are required in this role. Furthermore, we have opportunities to book one-on-one time with Bethan if there are any specific things we wish to develop. The teaching and development at the firm is certainly unparalleled because of this open and inviting teaching culture which has certainly benefited me and other members of the Early Talent Team.

Furthermore, the resource of partner collaboration and mentoring has allowed me and other members of the Early Talent Team to evolve our learning and progress as young prospective solicitors. This collaboration creates an opportunity for paralegals to share their opinions and develop their skills and knowledge with seasoned legal professionals. I have found this invaluable in shaping my mind from studying law to practicing it. Not only does this help in our continuation of learning but also provides the partners with a clearer insight and understanding of the Early Talent Team and adapt their mentorship style to the particular person. This emphasis on partner collaboration has enlightened me on my working style, my strengths, and areas for improvement. This has allowed me to progress my learning in the responsibilities of drafting legal documents, conducting research, and acquiring a greater understanding of the world of commercial property law as the partners at the firm guide us in developing our weaknesses and turning them into additional strengths.

The opportunities that Feldon Dunsmore provides for development has proven to be invaluable and fruitful for my progression and transition from a law student to practicing it. The strong teaching culture that the firm stands on is one that is certainly unique and has helped me and the rest of the Early Talent Team advance as prospective legal professionals.