Life as a Trainee Solicitor at Hampson Hughes Solicitors

By Rebecca Zaidi

In June 2011 I was fresh out of law school and I applied for a job at Hampson Hughes. I had undertaken work experience in various law firms in Merseyside and at a firm in London but I had never worked full-time at a law firm.

Interview

During my interview the Managing Director informed me about Hampson Hughes’s humble beginnings and the firm’s future goals; the firm was founded only two years earlier in 2009 and had already undergone a considerable expansion. Following the interview I found myself to be very excited about the firm and I was delighted when I was told that I had been successful.

First day nerves

I remember my first day clearly; I was nervous but excited and determined to impress and learn as much as possible. There were around 50 staff at the time and the office environment felt young and vibrant. Some of the firms I had previously visited felt old fashioned and ‘stuffy’ and I was relieved to find out that the legal profession wasn’t all the same.

Initially I was trained as a First Response Advisor. My role was to take the initial calls from clients who had been involved in an road traffic accident. I remember being quite nervous to speak on the phone but after a few days I became more confident and enjoyed speaking to many clients each day. It felt good to know that I was helping people and also generating business for Hampson Hughes.

Promotion

After two months I was given a promotion and I moved from First Response Team to assist a solicitor. My role completely changed and I learned more about the law and how to run a case; as time went by I was given more responsibility and began to run my own case load. The Directors were always there to give me help and advice so I never felt like I was ‘in over my head’.

As the months went on, the firm was gradually expanding and we were slowly taking over the building; we needed more space to house our ever-expanding staff. The fact that Hampson Hughes was growing in this current economic climate just goes to show the commitment and work ethic of the Managing Directors which filters down to all our staff. I feel proud to work for a company which has developed and grown in such a short time; we now have more than 300 employees which is considerably more than the 50 staff from my first day.

Move to Albert Dock

In September 2013 Hampson Hughes moved to a much larger office space in Liverpool’s Grade 1 Listed Edward Pavillion in the city’s iconic Albert Dock. Everyone was so excited about the move and there was a buzz around the office.

September proved to be a fantastic month because as well as moving offices I was awarded a Training Contract. I was ecstatic and so grateful to Hampson Hughes for giving me this opportunity; all of my hard work and commitment has paid of and I have a great sense of achievement.

Merseyside Junior Lawyers Division

In addition to working at Hampson Hughes I am a member of Merseyside Junior Lawyers Division (MJLD), having been elected to the role of Treasurer. I attend monthly meetings with fellow committee members to discuss ideas for fundraising, education and social events. As Treasurer, I must ensure that all income and expenditure is properly recorded and monitored. The MJLD is a great way to network and meet new friends from the legal profession.

I also volunteer as a mentor for BPPs ‘Access to Mentoring Scheme’ for a student who is currently studying law. The scheme offers benefits to both students and mentors and I find it particularly rewarding to help a student who is eager to pursue a career within the legal profession.

I very much look forward to becoming a fully qualified solicitor next year and I feel privileged to work with motivated and inspiring individuals. I am eager to progress and look forward to the future!