On The Right Track- AWB Charlesworth’s Award Winning Trainee Charlotte Gooch Talks About her Route into the Legal Profession.

 

Why did you choose law?

I studied at Parkside, choosing academic A Levels which would allow me to pick from a variety of courses at university because I wasn’t sure what career path I wanted to take. It wasn’t until studying American civil rights in History and reading ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’ that I decided that I wanted to pursue a career in law.

What route did you take into the legal profession?

I initially took the conventional route into the profession by completing my undergraduate law degree at Staffordshire university straight out of leaving school. However where most law graduates continue on to a post graduate degree I chose to seek experience within a law firm instead. I began working at AWB Charlesworth, shortly after graduating, as an office assistant and within a year had worked my way up to the position of paralegal within the company and commercial department. I’m currently a trainee solicitor and should be fully qualified by March 2019.

What qualifications do you need?

The conventional route to qualifying as a solicitor would require you to study an LLB Law degree at university (or study an alternative topic and convert it by pursuing a GDL degree) and then to study the Legal Practice Course at postgraduate level. Once this has been completed the graduate will need to complete a training contract with an appropriate firm for a period of two years in order to qualify.

What does a typical day involve?

There isn’t really a typical day; every day is full of fresh challenges as each client has a different issue that they need assistance with. Days tend to consist of meeting with clients and taking instructions, drafting and preparing various documentation such as shareholders agreements or share purchase agreements and negotiating terms upon which deals are to be made. There are always plenty of interesting cases to get involved with.

AWB Charlesworth Solicitors

AWB Charlesworth Solicitors have offices in Keighley, Bradford, Bingley and Skipton  specialising in all areas of company, commercial, employment and private client work. Endorsed by the Law Society’s Lexcel quality standard, the directors and staff combine expert legal skills with a friendly and approachable style; delivering efficient, client focused legal support made simple for individuals and businesses alike. The Firm actively promotes the development of trainee solicitors and Legal Executives, and offers support throughout their academic studies through hands on mentoring and guidance.

Share: