What I learnt from my work experience at The Burnside Partnership

Completing work experience at The Burnside Partnership has been an incredibly rewarding opportunity that has broadened my understanding of Private Client law. The whole process was very well-structured providing me with several opportunities to talk to sector-specific experts both in-person and online.

My week consisted of participating in client meetings, having one-on-one discussions with various members of the firm, undertaking research prior to client meetings and writing articles for the firm’s website. These combined experiences have reinforced my desire to become a solicitor because of the importance of client contact and the variety that arises as no case or situation is ever the same.

On the first day, I was greeted by Julia in the firm’s Marlow office and given a quick tour of the building – kitchen included! She introduced me to the team who I got to know more over the next few days. Everyone was so friendly and I felt comfortable asking questions when I needed.

Within half an hour of entering the firm for the very first time, I was in an in-person client meeting (with the clients’ consent, of course) with Bethan, taking notes and learning more about amending Wills. After the meeting, Bethan explained the key takeaways, helping me have a better understanding of the complexities involved in updating a Will and how she would navigate this.

I then spoke with the managing partner, Della, who gave me a short history of the firm and set out some tasks for me to complete by the end of my placement. Discussing Anglo-Spanish law was really interesting and Yolanda was kind enough to call me and answer some questions. I am extremely grateful for this as it is a whole new area of law which I hadn’t had any exposure to before.

Undertaking a research task for Sabrina and taking notes for one of Jo’s meetings kept me busy and made me feel incorporated into the firm. Both Bethan and Alastair offered me advice about the different pathways that are available to qualify as a solicitor helping to open up my options after school. Talking to Melody about her role as a paralegal was particularly insightful as I hadn’t fully considered what the role included. All of the various discussions I had over the week contributed something new to my understanding of what it means to work at The Burnside Partnership.

During my placement, I’ve understood just how important client care is, especially when having to initiate conversations about the content of Wills. In order to be truly successful, a Private Client lawyer needs not only technical expertise but also empathy for clients experiencing difficult situations.

Any student considering a career in law should definitely complete work experience if they have the opportunity to do so. It opens up many different pathways and allows for an exploration of legal sectors that are perhaps less well-known. I’d also recommend asking lots of questions because the team will explain everything in a clear and digestible way.

I want to thank Julia for making sure I always had what I needed and for the 7 different TEAMs meeting links! I’d also like to thank Richard for offering me this placement and making it possible in the first place.

Thank you to everyone at the firm who gave up some of their time to talk to me. This work experience has been highly valuable and a great learning experience.

Kirsten Joseph