Trainee Solicitor, Anjali Patel shares her journey on how she became a lawyer and what led her to practise at Blackstone Solicitors.

Graduating from Manchester Law School in 2015 with a First Class Honours degree in LLB Law, Anjali Patel was recognised as the highest performing student in the law school during the 2014-15 academic year.

After graduating she completed the Legal Practice Course, and worked as a paralegal at a law firm in Manchester city centre for around 3 months.

Having heard great things about Blackstone Solicitors Anjali attended two interviews for the role of a litigation paralegal.  Anjali comments  “I was offered the role and started in September 2016.  Within my first week, I was handed my own case load and was trusted to run files from start to finish under the supervision of a partner.  I also undertook advocacy at court frequently on possession matters and small claims hearings, as well as attending court on larger matters with the instructed barristers.”

Blackstone Solicitors offered Anjali a training contract which commenced in June 2017.  As a trainee solicitor, Anjali was required to rotate around different departments (known as seats) in order to gain experience in different areas of law.  Anjali’s seats to date include commercial litigation, commercial property and corporate/commercial law.  Anjali comments “My training contract has been fantastic.  I have all round exposure and have learnt a lot from my colleagues and supervising partners, all of whom are very supportive.  My day to day work within the last 1 year and 6 months at Blackstone Solicitors includes drafting court documentation, attending court, conducting client meetings, drafting corporate documentation (for example shareholders’ agreements, board meeting minutes, loan agreements), drafting leases and advising clients.  This list is non-exhaustive and demonstrates the amount of exposure to the law I have had since joining the firm.

I have also had the privilege of attending some great events, such as the Law Society Excellence Awards in London”.

Anjali’s top tip for students is…

Gain as much legal work experience as possible.  This will help you to decide your future career and will make you stand out as an individual in job applications.  Non-legal work experience is also great experience as it will show prospective employers that you are an all-around individual.

Attend careers fairs.  You never know, you may meet someone who can help you with your career in the future.

I’m inspired by…

The tutors who have great experience behind them which projects into their teaching.  I attended a court hearing not too long ago and one of my tutors from university was the judge!

Anjali will qualify as a solicitor in December 2018.

Read Anjali’s full Alumni Article published by Manchester Metropolitan University.

Anjali is a trainee within our Corporate Team which provides experienced and practical advice in relation to all corporate services. Whether you are looking to buy, sell or invest, our team has the knowledge and experience to provide the guidance you need.

Get in touch today by calling us on 0161 929 0121. If you would like us to contact you, simply complete our online enquiry form and a member of the team will give you a call back as soon as possible

Authored by Rebecca Dutton Posted in Residential Property Tagged as