Louise Atkins

It sounds cliché but from the age of 8, when asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, my reply would always be ‘I want to be a lawyer’. My first legal work experience was working in the contract department of an in-house legal team. I then attended the University of Reading to complete my Law degree. When I graduated, I gained more work experience with an Oxford law firm before moving to THP Solicitors in 2022 as a paralegal, working in the Wills, Trusts and Estates department following a ‘Commercial Law Club’ event that the firm had participated in as part of a University of Reading initiative. I am now an Apprentice Solicitor, which means I am getting practical experience as well as the opportunity to study for my SQEs.

The training style at THP is one of continual development. The lawyers in my team are always willing to look at any drafting I have completed. They also provide time and commitment for my training by inviting me into meetings and allowing me to complete first drafts of the follow-up work. This has enabled me to complete a variety of practical and theoretical training. THP are always willing to further my development through extra seminars and courses that improve my current knowledge as well as keeping me up to date in the subject area.

My favourite element of my role would be the client facing nature of it. I am able to attend meetings on most days and meet with a variety of clients with different circumstances needing bespoke advice each time. I enjoy how every matter needs to be dealt with on a case-by-case basis as it keeps the work interesting and means that my knowledge is constantly expanding.

The culture at THP is one of hard work. Every member of staff wants the best for the firm and our clients, leading to collaboration between the departments. We all work together, and no question is a silly one!

My biggest piece of advice would be to try different areas of law. The ‘Equity and Trusts’ module at university was certainly not one of my favourites, but I now love working in Wills, Trusts and Estates. The real-life experience of practising the law and interacting with clients is so different from just studying it. I would recommend being open to all opportunities early on in your career so you can try a variety of legal areas until you find your niche.