My Experience as a Legal Placement
At the beginning of July, as part of my undergraduate degree in law, I started in Dispute Resolution as a Legal Placement. This has been an amazing opportunity to learn from all those around me, from Support Staff to Partners.
I have been given such a wide variety of work and responsibility, from handling all new enquiries to drafting Court documents and client advice. One of the many great things about Ellis Jones is the people. If you are ever unsure how to do something, those around you will take the time to show you how to do it, do it better, or even help correct a mistake (it will happen – you are only human). There is a people-centered culture that those in the firm embody. When I first started, the previous placement students and future trainees at the firm, Alex Chance and Tom Eyles, took me to the pub to welcome me and pass down their tips and tricks – it is great to know that you are not alone!
Events and Networking
The best thing you can do is throw yourself into everything, get involved in events, both social and networking. Within 3 months of starting at Ellis Jones, I had participated in a 5-a-side football tournament, a beach volleyball tournament (in the pouring rain!) after 6 weeks of lessons, I worked closely with the Marketing Team on many events, helped organise the ‘Meet the Firm’ event held at Bournemouth University, department and Christmas social events, and so much more!
You will also find yourself doing things that you may not have expected, for example, I have also been elected to the Bournemouth and District Junior Lawyers Division Committee as the Student Representative.
"This is something that I would not have had the confidence to do if it wasn’t for those around me being so supportive and encouraging."
Whilst it is great to do as much as you can, you need to make sure that you are also taking time for yourself and ensuring you have a work-life balance. This is something that Ellis Jones really pushes for, whether it is through one of the many sporting events, a regular department social, or one with the whole firm.
I have loved every minute of my placement so far and the opportunities that it has brought with it. I would highly recommend a placement to second year students with the option to do one. Not only does it give you invaluable insight into life as a solicitor but also makes the process of applying for training contracts far less daunting!
Contact me to find out more
If you have any questions about applications or placements, feel free to message me via email jasmine.white@ellisjones.co.uk or LinkedIn.
How can we help?
When you submit this form an email will be sent to the relevant department who will contact you within 48 hours. If you require urgent advice please call 01202 525333.
