Lauren Walker – Team Journey

Associate

TALK ABOUT YOUR TIME HERE, WHAT CHALLENGES DID YOU FACE AND HOW WERE THEY OVERCOME?

I started at JB Leitch as a file administrator working within the service charge team. This was my first office job, and it was a challenge getting used to that environment. Within 6 months I was offered a role as a paralegal within the forfeiture team, and shortly after followed a move to the technical and complex team. During my time as a paralegal, I completed the Legal Practice Course on a part time basis and developed my legal research and application skills generally. Following completion of the Legal Practice Course, I was offered a training contract with the firm which I was delighted about! As a trainee solicitor, I took on a caseload and regularly dealt with cases of a complex nature. This was a big step for me, and I enjoyed the additional responsibility, working with a great team, and being able to hone my expertise. This as all been invaluable and now, as a qualified solicitor, I feel the effort has been fully rewarded and fully supported.

HOW ARE THINGS GOING IN YOUR ROLE?

I enjoy my role very much. I work within a team of great people and primarily deal with cases involving the tribunal, fire safety issues and service charges. I regularly attend client conferences and Tribunal hearings in respect of the cases that I have worked. I also keep up to date with recent legal developments in the industry and have been involved in writing articles for the firm’s website and other forums.

WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT WORKING HERE?

Everyone at JB Leitch are always helpful and people will make themselves available in order to discuss any queries or concerns. I think that communication with my colleagues and peers is so important, and I love working in such a supportive environment. No one’s door is considered closed here!

WHAT WERE YOUR FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF THE FIRM WHEN YOU JOINED?

My first impressions of the firm was that everyone was so friendly yet extremely hard working. I quickly realised why JB Leitch has its reputation as one of the leading firms in the industry. Also, people enjoy working here meaning that there is always a lovely atmosphere.

SO, WHAT DO PEOPLE DO FOR FUN IN JB LEITCH? WHAT’S THE SOCIAL LIFE LIKE?

There are lots of social events at JB Leitch organised either within individual teams or by the firm. There are annual Christmas and summer JB Leitch parties which are always lots of fun!

WHY DO YOU VALUE WORKING IN A SPECIALIST ENVIRONMENT?

I value working in a specialist environment because whilst the area of law is niche, there are statutory developments and important judicial decisions being made all the time which keeps the job extremely interesting. From a personal perspective, I am able to gain expertise in an area of law and be confident in my abilities. For our clients, working in a specialised environment means that they are able to benefit, through the advice that they receive, from the high level of specialist knowledge.