3 minute read
An Interview with Rachel Chambers, Commercial Litigation Solicitor at mfg Solicitors LLP
and Lyons became new members; the Committee discussed the conduct of unqualified conveyancer Francis Reynolds and his Property Transfer Association against the conveyancing monopoly; the British Legal Association was promoting the Vindication of the Solicitors Profession.
1974 – there was an energy crisis and VAT factor and NI increases; members rose to 150; noting 155 solicitors in the county 1977 – High Court rates of £12 per hour and £10 in the County Court; Adrian Gaynor Smith did 7 years ‘hard labour’ as Hon Sec; Mike Sefton working with CAB and Eric Dickinson with Marriage Guidance Council.
1978 – new members Mike Huskinson and Luke Grant and David Hallmark (who, on qualifying in 1970, had set off driving overland telling his father he would “be back in 6-9 months to join the firm” – after travels and working throughout SE Asia in Thailand, Hong Kong, Indonesia, US, Vietnam Courts Martial and Seychelles he returned to the firm in 1977).
David Hallmark
July 2022
Lucy George, Social Media Secretary for Worcestershire Junior Lawyers Division, interviews Rachel Chambers, Commercial Litigation Solicitor at mfg Solicitors LLP. Lucy George
In this article, Lucy and Rachel discuss Rachel’s route into the law, Rachel’s experience as a Trainee Solicitor and the importance of commercial awareness.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your route into law?
I am a 28-yearold Solicitor in the Commercial Litigation team at mfg Solicitors LLP, having qualified last March.
I studied Law and Criminology at Lancaster University, predominantly because I studied essay-style A-Levels and had an interest in the subject.
After graduating I applied for jobs in various solicitor’s firms. I worked as a Paralegal for 3 years in Proceeds of Crime, Private Client and Commercial Litigation departments whilst completing my Legal Practice Course online at Staffordshire University, before commencing my training contract.
Rachel Chambers
What advice would you give to aspiring lawyers starting out on their journey?
A couple of things; firstly, gain as much experience as you can. This is easier said than done but just take every opportunity which is made available to you. I completed some work experience at a law firm and a mini- pupillage whilst at University which really helped me decide that I wanted to focus on qualifying as a Solicitor. This also helped me to appreciate that a career in law is certainly not always reflective of the endless case law and statute that you are required to remember at University, which I was pleased about!
Secondly, have faith and work hard. The route to qualification is not always a simple one, and there are times where I wondered whether I would ever manage it. However, looking back I am really thankful for my years as a Paralegal, because I gained invaluable knowledge, ability and confidence which you do not learn whilst studying. This in turn allowed me to make the most of my training contract when it started.
If you are determined that a career in law is for you, my advice would be to stick with it, focus on gaining as much experience as you can, and have confidence in your abilities.
Where did you complete your training and what seats did you complete during your training contract?
I was lucky enough to have a varied and rewarding training contract at mfg Solicitors LLP. I completed seats in the Commercial Property, Corporate and Property Litigation teams, all of which I enjoyed, and which ultimately shaped my decision to qualify into Commercial Litigation.
What do you enjoy most about being a solicitor?
As a Litigation Solicitor, I love that each case has its own unique facts, that I am constantly challenged, and of course get a lot of personal fulfilment when achieving a great result for my client. I certainly don’t think I will ever be bored, which is definitely important to me!
Aspiring lawyers and students are told to be commercially aware. What advice would you give to students/aspiring lawyers on how to be commercially aware?
It is really useful to spend some time keeping up to date with the news, and try to consider the news stories from a legal perspective. If you have an interest in a particular area of law, then make sure you keep up to date with economic and business-related changes which might occur in that area. These changes would inevitably affect your future clients in that sector, and your subsequent advice to them as a result. There are also some really interesting legal podcasts out there, which are easy to tune into whilst you are on the go!
