Sam Sims
Senior Associate, Clinical Negligence
The legal industry is extremely competitive and working as a legal assistant at the firm during my LPC studies was hard, but gave me invaluable experience.
It demonstrated how varied, interesting, challenging and incredibly rewarding a career in the legal profession can be and reinforced my aspirations to be a solicitor.
At the start of my first seat as a trainee, I was given a lot of responsibility. I very quickly became involved in all aspects of the departmental work and was provided with plenty of opportunities to interact with clients and assist on a variety of complex Wills, probate, tax and trust matters. There is an open-door policy within the firm and I have been supported every step of the way.
You joined Taylor Emmet initially on a part time basis whilst studying for your LPC, looking back what benefit do you think you gained from this?
Working at TaylorEmmet and studying the LPC at the same time was hard work, but with good time management it gave me invaluable experience. It allowed me to learn and gain first-hand knowledge of what it is like to actually work in a law firm. I was able to get a realistic insight into a legal career, interact with clients and gain an understanding of the practicalities of working in a law firm, whilst putting my academic knowledge into practice.
The legal industry is extremely competitive and working at the firm whilst completing my studies allowed me to show that I am willing to work hard. I think it is important to gain relevant experience and I would advise anyone considering a legal career to apply for a junior legal role or a work experience placement to get an idea of what a legal career entails and importantly, whether you enjoy the working culture of the law firm that you are asking to invest in you.
What has your experience of working in the Clinical Negligence Department been like?
Taylor Emmet has a reputation for being a very friendly firm and I’m very happy to say it’s true! People at all levels and in all departments are very friendly and approachable. The open plan office makes it easy to get to know everyone within your team and it means there is always someone there to help you.
My Head of Department has invested in me from the beginning and I can’t emphasise enough how important that is. There is an open-door policy in the team and regular supervision meetings have been invaluable to help me progress. I have been supported every step of the way.
I very quickly became involved in all aspects of the work and was given plenty of opportunities to show my capabilities. I have been given interesting, complex and varied work and my time in the Clinical Negligence Department has been incredibly rewarding. I have enjoyed the client care aspect of the profession and it is very rewarding to build up a rapport with clients as their case progresses. All of the team are friendly and approachable and will do everything they can to get the very best possible outcome for clients.
How do you think the experience that you have gained to date will assist you during your ‘Period of Recognised Training’ from August 2017?
Working as a Paralegal after completing my LPC has reinforced my aspirations of a legal career. I have learnt how to provide legal advice and representation with the utmost level of care, sensitivity, compassion and professionalism which is vital in providing clients with the support that they deserve.
The amount of responsibility I have been given has increased my confidence which is so important when working in litigation. My experience to date has enabled me to immerse myself in the daily life of a Trainee and, whilst challenging, has also been incredibly rewarding and has provided me with a realistic example of the high standards expected of me.
What is the social side of Taylor Emmet like?
Taylor Emmet is full of friendly, outgoing and approachable people. There is a prestigious annual firm dinner which gives you the opportunity to meet people from other departments and branches, as well as a firm curry night every couple of months. There are also professional networking and training events that you are encouraged to attend and it is very rewarding to represent the firm. The Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence teams also head to a local pub for lunch every Friday afternoon!
Do you have any fears leading up to the commencement of your ‘Period of Recognised Training’?
I am due to have seats in Probate, Residential Conveyancing, Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence. I have limited experience in some of these areas which is a little bit daunting, but I am going to throw myself into them and learn as much as I can.
What are you most looking forward to as a Trainee at Taylor Emmet
The firm has been very encouraging towards my career development and I am fortunate to work for a firm which invests in the development of its staff. I know that I will be well looked after and supported as a Trainee at the firm and I am excited at the prospect of experiencing new areas of law.
One word that describes your experience at T&E?
Progressive
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