We are excited to have welcomed three new trainee solicitors to the Blaser Mills Law team.
Tess Turner, Melissa Keveren and Hannah Williams joined us at the start of September and will be undertaking seat rotations to gain legal expertise in various practice areas.
We asked Tess, Melissa and Hannah a series of questions to find out why they chose a career in law and what advice they would give to future applicants.
What made you choose a career in law?
Tess: I studied Law at University and I always found myself more interested in the practical aspect of the course. Law is such a varied topic and it can apply to every aspect of our personal and public lives. I think having an understanding of a broad range of legal areas makes someone a well-rounded and helpful person which is why I wanted to pursue a career in Law.
Melissa: At University, I studied English Literature. Whilst I enjoyed it, I always found myself drawn to the more analytical side of it rather than the creative side. Within my modules, we would often spend time discussing the history of legal principles and their application in the past and now. I found learning about law interesting and so sought out legal work experience which, ultimately, cemented my interest in pursuing a career in the legal profession.
Hannah: I have always found law interesting because it affects every part of every person’s life, including a person’s liberty, family and business. Because of this, a career in law is famously varied, stimulating and rewarding. I have wanted to work in law from a young age to help people struggling with the law in their most difficult times. I hope that I can make a difference to individuals’ lives through making law more comprehensible and taking them through complex legal processes with care.
What made you apply to a training contract with Blaser Mills Law?
Tess: During University, I volunteered at the Personal Support Unit, a charity providing assistance to litigants in person. I loved how client facing the role was because I was able to see the impact that we were making on these vulnerable individuals first hand. Blaser Mills is a firm that encourages trainees to meet with clients right from the outset and I have already experienced so much exposure just within the first two weeks of my training contract. I really admire how much responsibility Blaser Mills gives its trainees because it is the best way for us to develop our confidence and expertise as a solicitor.
Melissa: Before my training contract, I was a Family Law paralegal in another firm. It was there that I interacted with Blaser Mills on several different matters. I was impressed by the firm’s approach and work ethic and so, began researching Blaser Mills to learn more about the training programme offered.
Having had experience in Family law, I knew I enjoyed working in personal legal services. However, to ensure my training was varied and well-rounded, I sought out a firm that would offer me a more commercial approach as well. Having researched the firm, I knew it could offer the perfect mix between the two and so I applied for the training programme.
Hannah: I applied to Blaser Mills because all past and present trainees speak very highly of the firm and its training contract. Blaser Mills prides itself on its increasingly commercial outlook, providing training in a number of business law seats, but also uniquely offers training opportunities in a wide range of personal law departments. Blaser Mills’ training contract has been recognised nationally for giving trainees high levels of client contract and responsibility from day one, and the small intake means that the training is tailored to each trainee’s interests and needs.
What is one bit of advice you’d give to future trainees?
Tess: Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions! It is the best way to learn and it shows your genuine interest.
Melissa: Embrace failure and try to turn it into a positive. You’ll make lots of mistakes when you are starting out in something new, but ultimately you learn from each of them and it will make you better in the long run.
Hannah: Make sure you stay open to the possibility of training in different areas of law! Even though you may come with a preconception of a department you want to qualify into, many trainees change their minds after trying something new. One of the benefits of such a multi-service firm is that you get to explore areas of law you other would not consider. Also, make sure you get to know everyone in the office, take time out of your day to say hello and don’t be afraid to get involved with anything the firm has going on.
Outside of the office
Tess: I love dancing. I started aerial dancing when I was a teenager and continued at University where I competed. I love baking unhealthy desserts and I enjoy doing embroidery when I have some spare time.
Melissa: I like sports, particularly running. My family and I do a yearly 15 mile run for Shelter Charity across London. Whenever I get the chance, I head back to Cornwall (where I am from) and like to spend time with my family and hike across the coast path.
Hannah: I am a keen runner; I’ve taken part in half marathons and I hope to complete a marathon in the not too distant future. I also really enjoy baking and cooking, spending time with my family and friends across the UK and keeping up my Spanish skills with Netflix.
You can find out more about our training contracts here.