I Got Hired: Louise

Posted on: 20 November 2024 by Ruby O'Sullivan in Class of 2023

Louise O'Connor is a Class of 2023 Law LLB graduate who is now a Trainee Solicitor at Shoosmiths (NI) LLP.

How did you hear about your role and decide to apply for it?

I first heard about the trainee solicitor role at Shoosmiths through attending the firm’s virtual Insight Evening and my own research. During these events, I discovered that Shoosmiths were recruiting in Belfast, which sparked my interest to apply as I was ready to move back home to Northern Ireland after spending an amazing 3 years in Liverpool.

After thoroughly researching the firm, I was impressed by Shoosmiths’ reputation and the opportunities they offered. The Insight Evening provided valuable insights into the firm’s culture and work environment, solidifying my decision to apply.

How did you get to where you are now?

During my final year of my law degree, I started to apply for training contracts in Northern Ireland and was successful in receiving an offer at Shoosmiths (NI) LLP. The recruitment process began with an application form, which was followed by a competency-based assessment centre. This process was rigorous but rewarding, as it allowed me to showcase my commercial awareness, transferrable skills, achievements and relevant experience. Most importantly, the process allowed me to demonstrate how I was strong candidate for the role and a potential asset to Shoosmiths.

In Northern Ireland, securing a training contract involves a specific process. To get a training contract, you must apply to the Institute of Professional Legal Studies (IPLS). You need to sit an entrance exam in December, which coincides with the application period for firms. Passing this exam is crucial as it allows you to start your training contract in September. Therefore, I had to successfully pass both the entrance exam and the assessment centre to secure my role at Shoosmiths. This dual challenge required careful preparation and determination, but it was all worth it in the end!

My interest in commercial law was sparked during my work experience at a global law firm. This experience opened my eyes to the dynamic world of commercial law and the excitement of working with a large clientele. I was particularly drawn to the idea of collaborating with teams across different offices, which is something I now enjoy at Shoosmiths.

Initially, I wasn’t sure what career path to take. However, my law degree and early work experience helped me realise that I thrive in environments where I can tackle different tasks and interact with various people daily. The prospect of working on large, multi-million-pound transactions was particularly appealing to me.

Undoubtedly, I would not be here if it wasn’t for the part-time job I had from the age of 16 working at a local pharmacy.

My role as Pharmacy Assistant played a significant role in developing essential skills for a trainee solicitor:

1. Communication: Interacting with customers daily improved my ability to communicate clearly and effectively, a vital skill for any solicitor.
2. Problem-Solving: Handling various customer queries and issues on the spot taught me to think quickly and find practical solutions.
3. Time Management: Balancing my job with my studies required excellent time management. This experience helped me prioritise tasks and manage my workload efficiently.

These skills have been invaluable in my role as a trainee solicitor!

Overall, it’s been a journey of discovery and growth, and I’m excited about what the future holds!

Your favourite experience in your role?

One of my favourite experiences as a trainee solicitor has been the opportunity to work with colleagues from different offices and within various teams. This has provided a rich and diverse learning environment. Collaborating with teams from different offices has been incredibly rewarding. It has allowed me to gain different perspectives and learn from a variety of experts.

So far, I’ve gained experience in both the Corporate and Dispute Resolution & Litigation departments. Each department has its unique challenges and learning opportunities, which has been fantastic for my professional growth.

Visiting the London and Birmingham offices has been a highlight. These visits not only provided a change of scenery but also allowed me to catch up with other trainees and build a stronger network within the firm.

All these experiences have enriched my training and made my journey as a trainee solicitor both exciting and fulfilling. 

The most challenging part of your graduate journey?

Managing my final year responsibilities while applying for trainee solicitor positions was a significant challenge. It required excellent time management and prioritisation skills to ensure I met all academic and application deadlines. Preparing for the IPLS entrance exam alongside my final semester one exams added an extra layer of stress. However, this allowed me to demonstrate my skills and fit for a role under pressure. The process has certainly taught me resilience and the importance of staying focused and motivated, even when things got tough. 

Top 3 Tips for current students and graduates:

Hopefully these tips can help you navigate the competitive landscape and make the most of your early career opportunities:

1. Be prepared and organised.

Start your applications early and keep track of deadlines. Use a planner to manage your time effectively.

Also, thoroughly research the companies you’re interested in. Whether you are applying for a role in accountancy, law, or engineering, this advice is crucial. As obvious as it sounds, you must understand what type of firm you are applying to and why you want to work for this company. A good starting point is to look at the company's website where you can find key details including their values, culture, recent work that has been going on, the different areas of practice, and insightful blogs posted by employees. Attending Insight Evenings is also a great way to understand different workplaces.

2. Ensure you are a good fit

Make sure the different workplaces you apply to align with your values and career goals. This will help you thrive and grow alongside the company. I recommend demonstrating how your skills, qualities, and life experiences relate to the company’s values and how you would apply them in the future if you were to work there in the future. Using personal experiences is a great way to demonstrate transferable skills you have and how they relate to the job role.

This all comes with being confident in yourself. Let your personality shine through, be genuine, and take pride in your individuality!

3. Be open to new opportunities

Be open to new experiences and opportunities, even if they seem outside your comfort zone. This can lead to valuable connections and diverse experiences. Also, take advantage of opportunities to meet new people, whether through internships, networking events, or insight evenings. Building a strong professional network is invaluable.

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