Leanne McKenzie
Brewer, Harding & Rowe are extremely proud to present a series of articles written by 8 of our current staff which show the different routes into qualification as a fee earner within our firm.
Some of the articles explain that law was their first choice of career. For others, it was not the obvious choice, but one that was achieved regardless.
We are able to support those with a keen attitude to learn and progress within their careers at the firm. You shall read that of the 8 staff, 3 are now qualified solicitors, 1 a licensed conveyancer, 1 a CILEx and 2 are trainee solicitors, all of which we have trained and supported within the firm. All of these 8 individuals remain supported by us as their careers progress and successful careers are forecast.
When I was little, my grandad was wrongly accused of stealing money from a charity. I listened about how this affected him and our family; and the relief and justice he felt when he was found to have not committed this crime. Since then, I knew I wanted to pursue law as a career so that I could help others.
I initially wanted to be like the person who had helped Grandad – a barrister. I undertook a mini-pupillage and found that it lacked the client interaction that I had wanted and was too impersonal for me. I therefore started down the route to qualify as a solicitor.
Despite having the option to choose the SQE, I have taken the traditional route towards qualification, and I have gained a distinction in the Legal Practice Course with a masters degree. I am now just over three months into my two-year training contract. This pathway felt the most practical for me and allows me to develop the necessary skills and knowledge to become a well-rounded solicitor. I am particularly excited to immerse myself in different practice areas and learn from experienced and knowledgeable professionals. I am keeping an open mind about the area I would like to qualify in to ensure that I shape my future with these experiences in mind and further this firm’s aims.
I feel incredibly motivated and supported in building a future where I can make a positive impact for my clients whilst being part of a bigger team. Each day and each new learning moment takes me one step closer to achieving my life goal to help others with in the legal system.