Amber's Journey to Becoming a Solicitor

When I finished school, I was unsure about what career I wanted to pursue.

I completed A Levels in Mathematics, Biology and Physics. I enjoyed these subjects in school and I thought that they would teach me transferable skills.

Additionally, I did an Extended Project Qualification as an AS Level. For this, I created a research report on the placebo effect and its legal and ethical implications. I really enjoyed investigating the legal aspects of this project. This sparked an interest in law. Further to this, I decided to speak with some family members that are in the profession to find out more about careers in law.

With this new knowledge, I decided to start my legal journey at university in September 2016. I studied the LLB (Hons) Legal Practice (Exempting) Course at the University of South Wales. This was the only course of its kind at the time in England and Wales, combining an undergraduate law degree with the requirements of the Legal Practice Course over 3 years instead of the usual 4 years.

I knew shortly into my studies that law was the right path for me.

Alongside my course, I was able to gain practical skills through volunteering at pro bono clinics and my local Citizens Advice Bureau.

After graduating, I commenced my first full-time legal role at Harris Fowler Solicitors. I was a Legal Claims Advisor for nearly 3 years, working primarily on Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence matters.

I joined Battens Solicitors as a Trainee Solicitor in September 2022. I wanted to work for a large South West firm and I was drawn towards the firm’s wide range of practice areas.

During my training contract, I undertook 4 six-month training seats in the Yeovil and Dorchester offices. My training seats were principally in personal injury, residential property, family law and property dispute law. I also passed my Professional Skills Course with BPP University in 2023.

In September 2024, I qualified as a Solicitor and was admitted to the Roll of the Senior Courts of England and Wales. I have since joined the General Dispute Resolution team at Battens Solicitors as a Newly Qualified (NQ) Solicitor. I chose to qualify into this area of law as I have a desire to help people and to make a positive impact on society. I also enjoy solving clients’ problems and collaborating with other departments within the firm to do this.

I am looking forward to continuing my professional development with Battens Solicitors.

My advice to anyone considering a career in law is that you should try and gain as much experience as possible. You can gain legal work experience through volunteering at a pro bono clinic or undertaking an internship with a law firm. Alternatively, you can benefit from undertaking work experience in a non-legal field. Through this, you will develop skills that can be transferred into legal practice, such as communication skills and problem-solving skills.