Grace is 21 years old and is currently studying ‘Law LLB with Professional Placement’ at University of Exeter. She has decided to spend her third year placement at Glaisyers ETL as a Paralegal. In this article, we get to know Grace a bit better…
So, Grace, tell us a bit about yourself?
Hi everyone! I’m currently 21 years old and in the penultimate year of my law degree at the University of Exeter. I’m an aspiring solicitor, hoping to eventually practise within the Manchester legal sphere.
In my spare time, I enjoy socialising with my family and friends, cooking, travelling and running. Prior to lockdown I was a running novice, however last year I ran the Richmond Park Half Marathon in aid of Parkinsons UK, which is a charity very close to my heart. I would love to run a marathon one day.
Outside of running, I am also a member of Cheshire Young Farmers Club (YFC). In fact, I grew up on a goat farm, and from a young age I have been involved in assisting my parents with their business. As part of my involvement with the Cheshire YFC, I regularly get involved in competitions such as Entertainments, Interclub Debate, Junior Quiz and Homecraft.
What brings you to Glaisyers ETL?
As part of my 4-year degree, I was presented with the opportunity to spend my third year working full-time in a legal setting. I was drawn to Glaisyers due to it being an established commercial, full-service law firm in the heart of Manchester. So far, I have worked within the Commercial Litigation and Residential Property departments.
This year has been an amazing opportunity; it has allowed me to develop my academic and practical understanding of the law through seeing it operate in practice. Moreover, spending time at Glaisyers has allowed me to experience a wide range of legal sectors and has enabled me to gain insight into the daily operations of a law firm as a business.
Why do you want to work in law?
I have always loved working with people. I enjoy understanding legal challenges and assisting people and businesses in solving their problems. The law is intertwined with so many aspects of our lives and the world around us. I find it fascinating how the law is constantly developing and evolving alongside society.
Equally, I love the variation within law. There are so many opportunities, and no day is the same. I get to work alongside individuals who are experts in their specialist sector and are eager to teach me about new and complex legal arguments.
Tell us a bit more about life at Glaisyers?
Every day is different. Generally, I tend to work alongside the solicitors, assisting them with the matters they are working on. Through this, I have worked on matters involving varied areas of law. My work tends to include drafting documents, shadowing client meetings, conducting legal research, communicating with clients, preparing bundles for trial, and even attending court! It has been an incredibly rewarding experience working within Glaisyers over the past few months, as I have been able to engage with matters as they develop over time. Beyond law, I have also enjoyed being able to get involved in the community of the firm, having recently joined their charity committee.
What’s the best part about working at Glaisyers?
I would say that the best part about working at Glaisyers is definitely the people. I have learnt so much from everyone at the firm. Throughout my time here, so many individuals have been eager to offer guidance and share their knowledge. There is a real community in which everyone is so willing to support one another and share their own experiences.
Equally, I love the breadth of work I have been able to undertake. I have been able to strengthen my existing knowledge through taking on new challenges.
If you would like to know more about kickstarting your legal career at Glaisyers, check out our careers page!
