Men’s Mental Health Month | Movember | Stephen’s Story
From a young age, I was always known for being the most argumentative voice in any family discussion, always the person to challenge the status quo and keen to get my point across one way or another. Combined with a natural inclination to challenge and scrutinise, I was naturally led towards a career in law and in particular, litigation. Litigation appealed to that side of my personality as it allows me to engage in reasoned argument, think strategically and channel my younger argumentative self. Given my nature, I deemed a career in Law to be most appropriate. Always making statements to the contrary, my Mum was very unsurprised when I let her know of my intentions to be a Solicitor in Sixth Form. “That sounds about right” was her response. Or something along those lines.
In July 2021, I graduated from the University of Liverpool with a 2:1 in Law before completing my LPC with a commendation in July 2023. I joined the firm in August 2023, gaining valuable experience across various areas of the firm as a Paralegal. The arears included; pre issue and post issue forfeiture, OOJ Claims and Student Accommodation forfeiture. Practising in these particular arears confirmed my ambition to qualify as a Solicitor. In April 2024, I was lucky enough to be offered the opportunity to commence a Training Contract with the firm beginning in October of the same year. Starting my training contract marked the next step in my legal career allowing me to continue developing my skills at the firm. During recent months and as I commence the second and final year of the training contract, I have moved on from the forfeiture team (save for the student accommodation ledger) and have moved over to T&C. The move has been challenging yet rewarding as I gain further knowledge and experience of the sector with my qualification as a solicitor just over the horizon.
Outside of work, I try to keep myself as active as possible. Whether that be playing padel, golf, football or cricket – I enjoy playing as many sports as possible. The summer months tend to be extremely busy as I attempt to juggle the responsibilities of being a trainee solicitor and the vice captaincy of Firwood Bootle Cricket Club 1st XI. My responsibilities within the cricket club range from attending committee meetings, arranging new signings, and organising social events. As we look to raise funds for Movember, being active outside of work is brilliant for promoting positive mental health and I would encourage absolutely everyone to be as active as possible. Whether that be going for a walk with friends at lunchtime or going to the gym of an evening.
As I reflect on my career at JB Leitch and my studies at University, I can safely say that qualifying as a Solicitor in October 2026 will be one of my greatest achievements. All the sleepless nights of studying will have been worth it. For those of you that don’t know, my grandmother passed away in July 2025. The last time I saw her, I told her that I had passed my PSC exams. She smiled and told me how I’d make a great solicitor as we reminisced about my younger self being ‘an argumentative devil’. I’ve held on to that ever since. I sure hope she is right!
