Work Experience – Sydney Window

Work experience is an important factor in helping graduates like myself achieve the job role they want. In today’s competitive work environment, employers look for graduates that are not only able to show a strong academic background but are also able to demonstrate durable commercial skills. As a recent graduate myself, I know how difficult it can be to have all the perfect qualities that employers are looking for!

Now I have concluded my 2-week work experience placement at Goody Burrett, I thought I would reflect on my time here and hopefully encourage others to experience this lovely and friendly firm! Recently graduating from my 3-year law degree, I have been trying to ensure that over this time I have been enhancing my CV as much as I can. With a desire to work in high street law, and growing up in Colchester, I have always targeted local firms. Goody Burrett was the perfect place to go.

At the start of my two weeks here, I was welcomed warmly by paralegal Bee, who quickly made me feel comfortable. Once shown around the office, I swiftly realised that everyone was smiley and welcoming. Over my two weeks here I was able to be involved in many opportunities that I had not experienced at other firms. Some of the duties I experienced were:

  • Sitting in on client meetings: In the family and litigation department, I was invited to sit in on client meetings and take notes. With a strong interest in becoming a family lawyer, I enjoyed experiencing these meetings first-hand and was encouraged by Chloe and Sue to be involved with discussions. After meetings, I was trusted to use my notes and write up the attendance note to be sent to the client. I loved this responsibility and felt it gave me a true insight into the life of a solicitor.
  • Writing client letters: During my time here, I was working alongside fee earners in family, conveyancing, litigation and wills and probate. I was asked to draft letters to clients on several matters, whether it was chasing a client or letting them know that their file was being closed. I was helped with formatting and wording, due to this my letter writing skills were enhanced.
  • Attending out of office meetings: On one occasion, trainee solicitor Jess took me out of the office to attend a meeting at a care home. This was such a good experience as I was able to be involved with the meeting, taking notes and liaising with the client. This was practical experience for me and provided me with such an insight into wills and probate.
  • Reception Work: During my time here, I was asked to sit at reception to cover lunch breaks. I was familiarised with the phones, taking messages and taking payments. This also gave me an insight into all the people working at Goody Burrett and what they do.
  • Registration of Land: Another task I was asked to do was to complete a first registration of land. This was an area of law I had not delved much into, but I really enjoyed learning. I was able to see some old conveyances and mortgages, that were extremely interesting to read (I was shocked to discover that houses used to sell for only £200! That would be nice!) I was then trusted to create a deeds pack and sort the file accordingly.

Altogether, my time at Goody Burrett was jam-packed full of tasks and new experiences, which helped me to improve my hands-on knowledge of the law. I know we’ve all been on those work placements where your prime job is to make tea and coffee and the only thing you learn is how strong or how many sugars everyone takes! However, this firm was quite the opposite. It was very rewarding to be trusted with real responsibilities and to then receive feedback on how to improve. It is so difficult to come out of University with a perfect CV and to then land your dream job, which is why it is so important to have experiences like the one Goody Burrett offers. If you’re looking for the perfect law placement and you want a career in high-street law, this firm truly offers invaluable experiences to display on your CV.

Once I leave my placement, I am extremely excited to enter this unique, interesting, crazy and rapidly changing career. Ultimately, I aspire to be a successful family solicitor and to help people in the local community. This firm has encouraged me to better myself and I will hopefully remain in contact with everyone that has helped me during my time here. Thank you to everyone at Goody Burrett.

If you are currently looking for a work experience placement in a successful and welcoming high-street law firm, then do not hesitate to contact us here at Goody Burrett. To apply please email us with a covering letter and your CV, our deadline for Summer work experience is the end of February every year.

Sydney Window

If you are interested in work experience at GoodyBurrett

Contact us on 01206 577676 or email [email protected]