My Journey at Express Solicitors: From Graduate Scheme to Trainee Solicitor
Prior to joining Express Solicitors, I had recently completed my LPC exams at Nottingham Trent University while finalising my dissertation. During this time, I worked part-time in hospitality and explored my career options. That’s when I discovered the Express Solicitors Graduate Scheme; an opportunity that shaped my journey into litigation.
Starting My Legal Career with the Graduate Scheme
The Express Solicitors Graduate Scheme provided an invaluable introduction to litigation and the legal profession. Completing my law degree during the Covid-19 pandemic made gaining legal work experience challenging, but the structured training period at Express helped me transition smoothly into the workplace.
After the Graduate Scheme, I joined the Employers’ Liability department as a Litigation Assistant, assisting an Associate Solicitor on various cases. This role allowed me to gain hands-on experience with live cases, understand litigation processes and collaborate closely with an experienced litigator. I worked on diverse cases at different litigation stages, which strengthened my legal knowledge and skillset. Seeing cases progress and succeed was incredibly rewarding for my professional development.
Progressing to a Training Contract
Receiving my training contract at Express Solicitors was a milestone in my career. It reaffirmed my progress in litigation and validated my dedication to learning the role of a solicitor. I was grateful for the trust my supervisor and the firm placed in my abilities and excited to deepen my understanding of personal injury law.
Working as a Litigation Assistant was instrumental in my growth. Being assigned to a single file handler’s caseload allowed me to build a strong working relationship with my supervisor. This mentorship was invaluable – having a dedicated point of contact for questions and guidance helped me refine my skills. Weekly reviews provided constructive feedback, allowing me to improve my drafting and better understand case progressions. I also gained insight into settlements and admissions, making me feel truly involved in the success of our cases.
Supportive Work Environment and Professional Growth
One of the standout aspects of Express Solicitors is the collaborative work culture. Department team chats encourage knowledge sharing, ensuring that support from colleagues at all levels is always available. Whether from my supervisor, fellow trainees, or even senior partners, I have always felt encouraged to seek guidance whenever needed.
My passion for personal injury law has flourished at Express Solicitors. Assisting clients who have suffered injuries and guiding them through the legal process is incredibly fulfilling. Many clients are unfamiliar with litigation, and I take pride in helping them understand their claims and options. The nature of personal injury law means engaging with individuals still recovering from their injuries and knowing that my work can improve their financial and medical situation is a strong motivator.
Advice for My Student Self
As a first year law student, I was fixated on the need to try and remember all the facts and figures and would often be concentrating on remembering dates, or case law names and in my first year at university I believe this stopped me from focussing on understanding the processes. If I could go back and give myself any advice in my first year of university, it would be to make sure I understood why the information I was learning was relevant, instead of making sure I could remember it.
ASD
I was diagnosed with ASD (autistic spectrum disorder) when I was 21 years old. It was a late diagnosis, but one that offered me a lot of explanation and allowed me to understand my strengths and weaknesses. Express Solicitors has also supported my professional development by fostering an inclusive and accommodating workplace. From day one, I openly discussed my neurodivergence with HR and my supervisor to establish effective ways of working. The firm’s commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) has been evident through the support I have received. I appreciate being part of an environment where I can openly discuss my ASD and receive the necessary accommodations to perform at my best.
Why Express Solicitors Stands Out
Express Solicitors is dedicated to helping clients regain their pre-accident position through compensation or treatment access. This mission resonates deeply with me and reinforces my commitment to delivering high-quality legal assistance.
The firm’s investment in training, mentorship and diversity makes it an outstanding place to build a legal career. I look forward to continuing my journey at Express Solicitors, refining my litigation skills and making a meaningful impact on clients’ lives.