Careers Videos

Date when Video was Published: 01/05/2023

Hi, I’m Tobi, a trainee solicitor in the family and child care department at Duncan Lewis Solicitors. It’s been just over a year since I started my training contract here - on the day before my birthday! It didn’t feel real at the time, not until I saw my email signature with the tag ‘trainee solicitor’ underneath it. I completed my undergraduate law in 2018. I had worked as a family paralegal at another law firm for around 3 months before joining Duncan Lewis Solicitors in February 2020, first as a family case worker before getting my training contract. My short journey so far has already been eye opening, educational, challenging, and rewarding. You have to get up to speed quickly but it helps having such a great, supportive team around me.

I was attracted to Duncan Lewis for many reasons:

• The firm has an extensive training structure for its employees and as a case worker
• We have a hybrid working setup which I believe has enhanced my work/life balance, as I am able to work remotely on some days and on other days, attend the office which gives me the chance to see my colleagues and clients in person.
• Diversity I work under Rupinder Jagdev, an experienced director at the Birmingham office, who is great and really supportive.

I pretty quickly got involved in a range of casework and began to feel like an important part of the team. I’m now lucky enough to undertake my own advocacy (what does this mean in brief and in layman’s terms). I love my job for many reasons, but particularly because you are often helping people who are vulnerable, and who are often excluded from access to justice), and no two days are the same. Usually, it includes taking instructions from clients (which can be moving/challenging), filing and serving court documents with the court and parties or completing urgent application forms. Sometimes, other urgent matters are sent to me which means and I have to think quickly and prioritise the workload. I also assist in training new starters, which helps me to learn new things as well. I am very grateful that Duncan Lewis Solicitors encourages its trainees to take part in extra-curricular activities including networking events, charity events and seminars. I am a member of the firm’s charity committee and last year took part in the Birmingham legal walk raising money for the disadvantaged communities excluded from accessing justice.

Disclaimer

This video content was created on 01/05/2023 to provide an overview of the legal position and the information was correct at the time this video was created. This video has been produced for purposes of generic information and marketing purposes only. While the information on this site is about legal issues, it is not intended as legal advice or as a substitute for the particularised advice of your own legal advisor. Please consult one of our lawyers to provide you with advice and assistance on any matters touched on this video. Viewing of this video does not create legally binding advice and does not create a retainer with Duncan Lewis Solicitors. This video is Copyrighted at Duncan Lewis Solicitors 2023. Any illegal reproduction of this content is prohibited and will result in immediate legal action.