My work experience at Battens

Roisin is a law student at the University of Bristol, who has just completed a 6-week work experience placement at Battens' Sherborne office in the Private Client team.

Before joining Battens, I had never worked in a law firm before and was apprehensive about what to expect. That feeling soon changed as I was surrounded by such lovely, supportive, and helpful people.

This experience has truly shaped my career path. Since deciding to study law at university, I always assumed that my vocation would be in the legal profession in some form or another. After my experience here, I now cannot wait for my career to begin.

I usually assist Kirsty Lloyd and Kira Garford in completing dictations for Naomi Dyer and Lucy Horsington. Kirsty and Kira have really taken me under their wings and taught me so much here. When I first started, I could barely use any of the software and had very limited knowledge on Private Client law. Now, I can draft up and witness Wills, write emails and letters to clients and assist in managing estate accounts, which make up my daily tasks. If not these tasks, I help with closing accounts and making copy Wills and LPAs to send to clients. My biggest takeaway from practicing this law hands on is its personal nature, attending clients and helping them with a myriad of sometimes complex issues.

I never expected to find Private Client as interesting as I do but working amongst such professional and passionate people, I have come to mirror their same enthusiasm. The whole department have encouraged me throughout my time here to go beyond what I have studied so far at university, and I never expected to learn so much. I am now strongly considering pursuing a career in Private Client.

Not only has this experienced improved my legal knowledge but I have learnt so many useful administrative and people skills which will no doubt prove invaluable.

This experience proved to be so much more than what I expected it to be and I hope that once I graduate, I can return to Battens to continue my studies.

For more information on careers at Battens head to our careers page here.