Career of a Legal Professional: Interview with Non-practising Solicitor of England & W
- Ruchika Airon
- Sep 7, 2017
- 5 min read
Rupali has eight years experience across UAE and UK. She currently teaches law to LLB. students and has worked with Noble Solicitors, UK in the past.
FULL NAME : RUPALI GILL
LOCATION : DUBAI
DESIGNATION : SOLICITOR
ORGANISATION : Non-practising Solicitor of England & Wales
HAILS FROM : BRITISH NATIONAL OF INDIAN ORIGIN
She would be keen to mentor students. Look out for opportunities to interact with her on our blog.
Questions & Answers
ACADEMICS AND SKILLS:
Q1. What did you have to study to get into this line of work and where did you attend college? Were/are there other ways of qualifying for this profession? (Please specify if your educational qualifications were necessary to get into this line of work).
Ans. I read Maths and Economics at the University of Reading in the UK and then went on to do the Graduate Diploma in Law(GDL) followed by the Legal Practice Course(LPC). I completed both the GDL and the LPC at the College of Law in London. I undertook the GDL as I had not studied law at undergraduate level.
If a student, who wishes to become a solicitor in the UK, studies the LLB at underGraduate level then they would need to only complete the LPC.
In order to qualify as a solicitor, you must pass the LPC as well as achieve an upper second grade at the LLB stage or at the GDL stage. Then, you go on to train at a law firm for two years.
Q2. Academically, what subjects should a student be good at, to be successful in this job(during school and higher education)?
Ans. There are no specific subjects required to be studied at high school in order to embark on a legal degree, however, any subject or assignment that requires heavy reading, analysis and critical thinking skills, shall put a student in good stead when they commence their legal studies.
Q3. What skills should a student try to develop to be good at this profession, which could also possibly help them break the entry barriers for entrance exams/interviews?
Ans. In my opinion, students should work on developing their interpersonal skills, critical analysis and ability to carry out teamwork effectively.
They should also ensure that they are able to work under pressure, have excellent working relationship with their superiors and gain knowledge in the area of law they aim to specialise in.
Q4. Would you like to give any tips or reminders to students aspiring for such a profession (these could be related to deadlines for entrance exams or subjects essential to study to get into this field or red flags to be aware of before dreaming about a profession)?
Ans. I would advise students thinking of a career in law to take the time to assess whether they are willing to dedicate four to five hours daily studying heavy textbooks, working on long assignments and putting in an extraordinary number of hours studying for each and every exam.
The competition is fierce as there are more students completing their studies than training contracts available worldwide. As you cannot qualify as a solicitor without completing a training contract at a recognised legal organisation, many students end up pursuing an alternative career. Hence, it’s imperative that students achieve A’s at A level stage and an upper second or first division at the university. Thereafter they must apply for training contracts in their second year (of a three year degree), of university. Often, law firms fund the LPC if a student is given a training contract.
Despite these hurdles, it is a lucrative and exciting profession and through perseverance and hard work, I believe that any student can succeed as a lawyer.
ABOUT THE PROFESSION:
Q5. What are the day to day responsibilities of a professional in this field?
Ans. The hours are long so I would normally start my day checking my emails for any urgent submissions to court and complete those there and then.
I would then go into client meetings and prepare initial case notes or follow up letters/notes to be updated on the file. On most days, for solicitor advocates, you would have to go to the country court to represent your client at either an initial case hearing or a final hearing. These court hearings can be lengthy so usually I would have to dictate the follow up hearing work at home, or stay late at the office in order to avoid delays in the case.
Q6. What does it really mean to be working in this role? (Do you have a good work-life balance? Do you travel a lot? Do you often have to meet a lot of new people?)
Ans. Work-life balance is hard to maintain as a trainee and a newly qualified solicitor. However, once you establish a good reputation for yourself, you can begin to delegate some case work and then monitor the case, meet the senior solicitors and represent your clients at out-of-court settlements or at court. You will not have to spend as much time sending letters, typing up notes or liaising with firms to submit bundles etc.
Travel was a part of my role as I had to attend different courts in the UK but some solicitors are locally based in one office. In a multinational law firm, students often request to spend time at an office abroad. You also have to have good people skills as you will inevitably meet fellow lawyers in other firms, judges, difficult clients and other relevant people in the profession. These skills strengthen as you progress through your training contract so if a student is a bit reserved at the beginning, there is no need to worry.
Q7. What are the perks of being in this kind of a role?
Ans. The money obviously! Other than that, to be part of such a highly reputed profession gives lawyers a sense of achievement and pride. You often get to see many countries, get good overtime pay, health care and paid opportunities for further academic training.
PERSONAL CHOICES:
Q8. How did you choose this profession?
Ans. I always found law interesting and I followed the news regarding latest changes in legislation such as those with human rights and it’s impact on individuals. This avid interest led me to go to law school.
Q9. What do you love about your job and what do you dislike?
Ans. I am not practising currently but previously, I loved the camaraderie between myself and my colleagues, the interesting cases (especially the ones that got media attention) and the recognition from my supervisor for a job well done.
I disliked the long hours and the occasional long drive to far off courts in the UK, especially during the winter months.
Q10. Where did you start and where have you reached today? (Position/organisation you started off with and where you are working now).
Ans. I started as a trainee, confused about what the future would entail. Now I am teaching law to LLB students with the ease that could only have come from my practical experience working at a law firm as well as my continuing interest in keeping up to date with developments in the law and this profession.
MYTH Vs REALITY
Q11. Is there any myth you’d like to break about your profession that over-glamourises or de-glamourises it?
Ans. The myth is that the pay is great from the start but it is a slow growth and once you reach the mid/senior level, you start getting a great benefits package.
On the other hand, the long hours get easier as you learn to delegate and gain experience in your chosen area of law.
Did you find this article useful? Are there other aspects on a career in Law that you would like to know about? Do you have any specific questions you for Rupali? Please let us know by writing to us in the comments section at the end of the page.
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