Today’s blog is guest written by school student Chidaro Nyirenda, 16, who spent a week with Gibson Kerr Solicitors in Edinburgh on a work experience placement. Thanks, Chidaro!
Why spend a week with Gibson Kerr?
I thought it would be a good idea to experience what it’s like to work as a solicitor in practice to help me think of what career path I might take. I would absolutely recommend it to anyone considering law at university or even anyone who is completely undecided about their career (much like myself).
Monday: Personal Law – helping someone prepare and plan for their future
On my first day I shadowed Lindsay, Katie and Stuart in the personal law department. They were extremely welcoming and allowed me to really get involved and try to work on some of their jobs with their help and advice. This gave me a good idea of the type of thing required to draft a will and appoint a power of attorney. It also gave me a sense of how complicated some cases can be and the importance of communication skills. It was extremely satisfying because you are helping someone to prepare and plan for their future and make things easier for them.
Tuesday: Family Law – Glasgow Sheriff Court
I was lucky enough to shadow the Head of Family Law, Fiona, and take a trip to Glasgow Sheriff Court for a family law hearing. I was allowed to sit in court and hear several discussions between solicitors regarding topics such as divorce and child welfare. This gave a me a clear idea of what court is actually like, because I had never experienced it before! It was also very impressive to see Fiona and the other solicitors argue their case for their clients.
Wednesday: Property Law – listing a property on ESPC
On Wednesday, I shadowed the property law department. This showed a completely different side of law and it was really interesting to see the factors affecting property sales. I was allowed to help list a property on ESPC and complete a few forms regarding different properties. I was also allowed to attend various meetings within the office which discussed all of the current properties on the market and gave me a lot of insight.
Thursday: connections between Personal, Family and Property law
On my last day I saw the final stage of a client appointing a power of attorney. I also attended a meeting with the Head of Personal Law, Lindsay, about the letting of a house. I think I found this day the most interesting because it was the first time I could see the connection between personal, family and property law. The case involved an elderly lady who had appointed Gibson Kerr as her power of attorney and therefore when she moved to live in a care home required her solicitors to let her house out.
That afternoon I shadowed the family law department and saw the link between divorce and the sale of property and ownership of different properties in a couple’s estate. I also made a short trip to Edinburgh Sheriff Court to pick up a few files for the office. This was really interesting because it allowed me to see the layout of the court most commonly used by Gibson Kerr.
What did I take from my week at Gibson Kerr?
It gave me a far better idea of what it is really like to practice law. It also educated me on the various different sections of law. Although this may seem insignificant, I also found it fascinating to see the software used to store each case and the way in which the clients are billed for the solicitors’ work. It definitely made me more interested in doing a law degree in the future. I can’t thank Gibson Kerr enough!
Everyone at Gibson Kerr would like to wish Chidaro all the best in her future career, whatever path she chooses. Please contact our friendly solicitors in Edinburgh and Glasgow if you’d like a chat about any of the areas of family law, personal law or property law Chidaro mentions.