Lucy Goaman-Cotter
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.
Route to Qualification
My desire to qualify into the legal profession was not planned. Despite my determination to have a life plan, I decided to pursue law upon applying to university. Following an impromptu decision to attend a criminal law seminar, my interest gravitated towards law. After I began working in the field, I found that I enjoyed the challenge of being able to work with different clients and cases.
I am qualifying via what most would view as the “conventional” route.
I completed my three year undergraduate degree at the University of Exeter in July 2024, I enjoyed studying the variation of modules that they offered as well as being able to select separate modules that piqued my interest. During my second year at university, I made the decision to apply for a position at Brewer Harding & Rowe Solicitors where I began working as a secretary. This was one of the best decisions I have made. Working whilst studying, whilst intense at times, gave me the opportunity to learn the practical aspects of law whilst studying the academic aspects. This provided invaluable experience that has shaped how I view and answer questions both practically and academically.
I am now one year into my LPC which I am studying remotely. I continue to work at Brewer Harding & Rowe four days a week whilst I undertake my LPC. Once I have completed my LPC I hope to undertake a training contract before qualifying.
So far I have been in education for four years and if everything goes to plan I hope to be qualified within the next three.
I feel I am at a stage in my career where the hard work is beginning to pay off. Whilst I realise I still have a long way to go before I can consider myself successful, I feel I have come a long way from starting university at 18, unsure whether law is right for me, to being a few years from qualification.