By Mona Gholami, Solicitor at Fieldfisher (LLB Law 2018)
Connect with Mona on LinkedIn
I am a solicitor in the Serious Injury Team at Fieldfisher, representing adults and children who have suffered major trauma. Here I aim to provide an insight into my work, as well as some words of advice and useful links to help you on your journey to becoming a solicitor.
Non-legal work experience
Don't underestimate the value of your non-legal experience. Working in retail, hospitality, or any public-facing job teaches you how to deal with people who are often under pressure. As a serious injury solicitor, you’ll represent clients who are vulnerable, distressed, or in severe pain. The ability to listen, remain calm and respond with empathy are essential and these skills can be developed in non-legal jobs. Remember to draw on these experiences when you are at the application or interview stage. Reflect on what you have learned and the skills you have developed.
Recruiters are looking for candidates who can demonstrate self-awareness, resilience, and the ability to connect with others. Your non-legal experience can be a powerful part of your journey.
Emotional intelligence and communication
Working as a serious injury solicitor means you'll be working with individuals at some of the most vulnerable and challenging points in their lives. Emotional intelligence, empathy and clear communication are just as important as legal knowledge.
Emotional intelligence (the ability to understand and manage your own emotions and those of others) is crucial. Clients may be upset, grieving, or overwhelmed. Your ability to listen, respond with empathy, and maintain professionalism will make a real difference in their experience.
Clear communication is equally vital. You’ll be liaising with clients, medical experts, barristers, and insurers. Being able to tailor your language to different audiences, both lay and professional, avoiding jargon, and presenting information clearly is a skill that will serve you throughout your career.
Organisational and time management
Solicitors working in litigious fields like personal injury often juggle multiple cases, court deadlines, and client needs. It’s essential to develop strong organisational and time management skills early on.
Learn how to prioritise your work, manage your diary effectively, and know when to delegate tasks.
Start building good habits now. Use planners or applications to track tasks and deadlines. Break large projects into manageable steps. These habits will help you stay on top of your workload.
Networking and mentorship
Take advantage of networking opportunities and potential mentorship. Attend legal events, work on your networking skills, establish a presence on LinkedIn. Follow firms and practitioners whose work you admire, engage with their posts, and don’t be afraid to reach out for advice.
Keep in contact with people you’d like to work with in the future; whether it’s a lecturer, a supervisor, or someone you met at a careers fair.
Mentorship can be transformative. Some of the best mentoring I’ve received came from informal chats with senior colleagues who were generous with their time and honest about their experiences. Don’t wait for a formal programme, start building relationships now.
Commercial awareness
No matter what legal field you go into, commercial awareness matters. Commercial awareness means understanding the environment in which your clients and your firm operate. Understanding how law intersects with business, politics, and society will set you apart.
For personal injury solicitors, this includes:
- The cost implications of litigation and settlement.
- How changes in government policy or NHS funding affect rehabilitation options.
- The role of insurance companies in funding claims.
- The reputational risks for defendants in high-profile injury cases.
You can start developing your commercial awareness by:
- Reading the news: Focus on legal developments, healthcare policy, and insurance trends.
- Sign up to commercial awareness updates: There are plenty of websites and news outlets that have commercial awareness updates or blogs that you can sign up to for free.
- Follow industry blogs and podcasts: Look for content from firms that specialise in serious injury.
- Ask questions during work experience: Don’t just observe the legal process, be inquisitive and ask how decisions are made, how cases are funded, and what the client’s broader goals are.
Good resources/websites for job hunting and applying
When I was applying for legal roles, I found the following resources helpful in finding opportunities, understanding the legal industry, preparing for applications, interviews and assessment centres:
LawCareers.Net | all about law careers
LawCareers.Net is a comprehensive platform for aspiring solicitors and barristers.
It offers:
- A directory of law firms and chambers.
- Application deadlines and vacation scheme listings.
- Insightful articles on legal practice areas and career paths.
- Commercial awareness updates.
Chambers and Partners | Showcasing the Best Legal Talent
Chambers and Partners is best known for its rankings of law firms and individual lawyers. While it’s often used by clients, it’s also a valuable tool for job seekers.
Law Careers. Law Graduate Jobs & Law Internships | AllAboutLaw
All About Law is geared specifically towards students and graduates.
It includes:
- Law graduate jobs and internships.
- Application advice and interview tips.
- Free virtual internships and events.
Graduate Careers for Bright Minds | Bright Network
Bright Network isn’t law-specific, but it’s excellent for graduate careers across sectors, including legal.
It offers:
- Career profiles and employer insights.
- Internship and graduate scheme listings.
- Skills development courses and webinars.
- Commercial Awareness Update emails.
- Internship Experience UK programme.
Home | The Corporate Law Academy
TCLA is a fantastic resource for anyone applying to commercial law firms. It offers:
- Forums for peer support and advice.
- Application reviews and mock interviews.
- Detailed guides on how to answer common application questions.
LittleLaw
LittleLaw is a platform that breaks down legal news into digestible summaries. It’s especially useful for building commercial awareness. You can sign up to their newsletter and keep up with current events in an accessible and easy to read way.