Learning At Work Week – Meet Trainee Solicitor Molly Evans…
It’s Learning At Work Week, so we have taken this oppportunity to ask members of our team what learning is like at Timms. Today we speak to Trainee Solicitor Molly Evans who is in her second seat in the Wills & Probate team…
A Little Bit About Me
My name is Molly and I have just celebrated my first anniversary here at Timms. I started my Timms journey what feels like yesterday in April 2021 as a Conveyancing Paralegal. I then began my 18 month Training Contract in January 2022 starting in the Wills and Probate Team. I obtained a distinction for my Masters in Professional Legal Practice from Birmingham City University in 2020, but my graduation ceremony is still awaited… thanks to Covid!
The Timms Trainee Solicitor Programme
The application process for the Trainee Solicitor programme was made up of three stages, submitting my CV and cover letter, a presentation and interview and finally an assessment day! I have learnt through this process to think on my feet, use my initiative and most importantly to be myself.
I also discovered how daunting the process can be, so you have to remain calm (outwardly, at least!) under pressure. I learnt that being able to demonstrate an ability to work effectively as a team is just as important as your individual performance. Overall, I found the interview stages were very well organised, enjoyable, and challenging in equal measure.
The Most Challenging/ Surprising Aspect Of My Training
The most challenging aspect of the training so far has been getting to grips with Will drafting- it is an art form in its own right! I very much enjoy drafting Wills to suit the client’s individual circumstances, and I quickly realised that no two Wills are ever the same!
What Have I Learnt So Far?
I am proud that I have been able to learn so much in such a small time frame with the help of my amazing colleagues. I have developed some great working practices to help me organise my time and prioritise tasks that I will look forward to implementing as I move through my career. I have learnt just how pervasive Wills and Probate can be into other areas of law and how important it is to have an understanding of the common issues that can arise.
What Have I Enjoyed So Far?
I have thoroughly enjoyed the variety and nature of the work in the Wills and Probate department. I feel a sense of achievement that I am able to help clients plan for their future, as well as help them through very difficult times. I have enjoyed being able to alleviate some of the pressures faced by our clients when a loved one passes away, so that they are able to focus more on the grieving process rather than legal practicalities. I particularly enjoy going on home visits to see clients who otherwise may not have been able to come into the office and building professional relationships. I feel very lucky to still be learning every day.
Where To Next?
I am looking forward to finding out soon where my penultimate seat will be, but in the meantime, I would like to thank everybody at Timms for all of their guidance and support so far.
May 2022