Degree: Theology, University of Oxford

GDL: Oxford Brookes

LPC: OXILP

After working in the charity sector for a number of years, I decided to change profession. I wanted to qualify in a firm which offered me the best possible start in my new career, but did not want to move to the City. Henmans was the obvious choice, because I knew of its excellent reputation within the charity sector and was aware of how well respected the firm was among business clients.

I joined in September 2007 and my first seat was in clinical negligence, within the personal injury (PI) department. This was a first rate opportunity to get involved in a dynamic department with a really varied workload on both claimant and defendant files. As part of my clinical negligence seat I met with clients; reviewed medical notes and expert reports; attended conferences with counsel; drafted pleadings, and reported to clients, insurers and the Legal Services Commission on the progress of the files they were funding.

I was also able to get involved in the progress of some of the files in the PI department. This included tasks such as considering quantum, taking and drafting witness statements, and preparing instructions to counsel.

I am now in my second seat in the professional negligence/commercial litigation department. This is a particularly busy seat, but is a fantastic opportunity to get a better understanding of the litigation process from start to finish. A key part of the trainee’s role is to keep the department informed of updates to the law; but I have also been heavily involved in preparation for a case which is about to go to trial.

In both departments I have had frequent one-to-ones with my supervisors. There is a good support network, so there is always someone I can turn to if I have queries about any aspect of the work I am doing.

The firm has its own café, which provides a great setting for catching up with colleagues in other departments over lunch or coffee. The trainees often have lunch together, and we meet regularly with the training principal and the head of HR for formal feedback. Since starting at Henmans I have forged some strong friendships, and I was made to feel welcome from the very outset. The firm has an enviable work/life balance, and my time so far has been professionally rewarding.