We recently welcomed sixth-year school pupil, Sophy McDowall to the firm for a week’s work experience placement with Jackson Boyd. Sophy tells us what it was like to dip a toe into the legal profession and how the experience helped fuel her desire to pursue Law as a career.
“For the past few years, I’ve felt driven to study Law at further education, but I didn’t know what a day in the life of a lawyer looked like, apart from attending court. At school, my guidance teacher and I carried out research to find work experience, so I could get a better idea of what to expect from my career choice. I was then able to secure a placement with Jackson Boyd Lawyers.
Without any hesitation, I can say I loved the week I spent at the firm. Each employee was incredibly welcoming. I was never left to sit myself or made to feel nervous to ask a question and I was welcomed in with open arms and made to feel very comfortable.
Part of the Team
I started my week off with the Personal Injury Team and was partnered up with Carly, a senior solicitor. She was very caring and always reassured me about what was going on. We started off the day by attending court via Webex. This was extremely interesting as I was able to see a real-life case being heard, which I loved. Later, in the afternoon, I was paired up with Ben, a trainee solicitor. Whilst only being at the firm a few months, he guided me through his work and showed me some research he was doing for cases. This allowed me to see a side to law that is not on your feet but was still intriguing.
My experience at Jackson Boyd was even more than what I hoped it to be. Getting treated to lunch and handmade cookies simply topped off the week!
The next day, I was partnered up with John in the Dispute Resolution department. This was one of my favourite days because his team made me feel like a friend and fellow colleague rather than a sixth-year student on placement. I went through letters and assisted them with research on cases. In the afternoon, I was placed with the team working on Medical Negligence claims. This was especially interesting to me as it was completely different to what I had done previously in the week. I was asked to type up the minutes in a call with a doctor and advocate. This task made me feel like I was properly included and not just observing.
Solicitors in Action
On Thursday, I was back with Personal Injury and attended another court call. This was incredibly interesting as the solicitor I was shadowing, Patrick’s, case was slightly different to Carly’s. I was allowed to stay on the rest of the call once he was finished to see other solicitors in action. Throughout the call, I took note of words that were regularly used by solicitors so when I attend University, I already have an idea of ther terminology used in the profession. That afternoon, I carried out a review of a client’s medical records and drafted a letter to a client with a copy of their medical report.
The final day was my ultimate favourite. I was placed with the Employment Team, where I worked closely with Gwenan and Rebecca, colleagues I got along very well with. They allowed me to skim through the files of a case so I could get an idea of the type of evidence that was relevant to proving an employment law claim. I also assisted with letters they had to prepare. This then carried on, as I got to attend a call with Gwenan where I got to see her in action with a judge. Seeing this only sparked my interest in Law further.
A Work Experience Placement to Remember
Throughout the experience, it was 100% clear that Jackson Boyd care deeply about their staff and their clients. Each case is handled with so much care and effort and everyone matters to them.
My experience at Jackson Boyd was even more than what I hoped it to be. Getting treated to lunch and handmade cookies simply topped off the week! If I decide to pursue my career in Law, then Jackson Boyd is where I will approach first for my traineeship, as they have increased my desire to be a lawyer. Anyone would be happy at Jackson Boyd, and I would strongly encourage any young person to complete a placement with them.”
