Laurus’ ethos is to provide clear, expert legal advice and support. This ethos forms the very heart of the practice and is reflected not only in the legal services the firm offers, but also, as I have discovered on my own legal journey, in its approach towards its employees and the development of their careers. 

I first began my legal career at Laurus in 2023, whilst studying for my law degree at Bristol University. During various networking events, I had heard highly positive reviews regarding the firm and the quality of work it produced. It was on this basis that I applied for and subsequently was delighted to accept a position as a legal intern with the firm, assisting in the firm’s property department for two months during the summer of my second year.

Working with Laurus has been vital to my career progression. At the time of my first internship, I felt unsure whether I should pursue a legal profession and attempt to qualify as a solicitor. From my own research and networking events with law firms and the personal testimonies of Bristol alumni, I knew that the process of qualifying as a solicitor was an enormous commitment; a commitment that I did not feel fully equipped to embark on with only academic experience. To many aspiring solicitors, qualifying can seem like a daunting and convoluted process, especially during the current transition period from the Legal Practice Course (LPC) to the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE).

However, working at Laurus offered an exceptional environment to learn and develop not only my understanding of the law, but my practical legal skill set too. Within my internship, I was lucky enough to be placed with Evie Holden, a fellow former legal intern who had gone on to join Laurus as a graduate (firstly within the firm’s property department and then later to the legacy department) and progressed to the firm’s solicitor apprenticeship scheme. Working as a legal intern within the firm with Evie Holden as a mentor allowed me to learn practical legal and administrative knowledge, as well as how to expertly interact and support clients. Moreover, not only did I receive direct mentorship, but being surrounded by top legal professionals who specialised across a wide array of legal practice areas allowed me to indirectly learn too.

Following the success of my first internship with the firm, I continued to work with the firm during my third and final year of university. Working alongside completing my degree was a difficult task but possible through a combination of hard work and discipline, as well as the support and clear organisation of the firm. It was also during this period that I applied and interviewed for a graduate role in the company. My internships with Laurus had proven that it was a firm driven by legal experts who took pride in their work and supporting others, and that Laurus was the perfect place for any aspiring lawyer to officially embark on their legal career.

I officially joined the firm last year in September 2024, expanding the role I had as a legal intern within the property department, whilst also occasionally volunteering at the Dad’s House Legal Aid Clinic. I found this transition, from graduate student to legal professional, particularly straightforward and uncomplicated as my previous work with Laurus had already allowed me to bridge the gap in my skill set. Becoming an official and full-time employee, further confirmed to me that the pursuit of a legal career was in fact the right path for me. The clear and open communication with fellow and senior members of the firm meant that I felt comfortable to share my aspirations and career goals with my team and mentors. Equally, I felt as though the responsibility I was provided with allowed me to demonstrate that I was indeed a good fit and investment for the firm to make.

At the beginning of the summer, I was delighted to accept a position with the firm as a solicitor apprentice. I have now begun my training with the firm’s family department, specifically helping to handle matrimonial cases regarding financial disputes and child matters, and, alongside this, I am also studying for my SQE and completing my masters.

I am incredibly thankful to James Hollingsworth, James Chadwick and John Fynan for their support of my career development. I intend to follow in the steps of the solicitors and legal professionals I am very grateful to be surrounded by, and provide clear, expert legal advice and support to clients in the practice area of Family Law.

I would also like to thank Laurus’ family team for welcoming me into their department. I have loved my first month in my family seat both due to the complex nature of the work and the incredible people that I work with. I am especially grateful to my mentors William Hogg and Jon Keeley for their endless patience and expertise.