We are delighted to announce that Nicky Jones from our Commercial Property Department has completed her Training Contract and is now officially a qualified Solicitor with us. We sat down with Nicky to reflect on her time as a Trainee with Rowlinsons and discuss her passion/ exciting future with us.
Tell us about your background?
My first career was with in the Criminal Justice Service as a Youth Offending Officer. I managed a cohort of young offenders, who were often vulnerable themselves, in the community, in custody, in the police station and in court.
After 11 years of doing work, some of which was congruent to that of a solicitor, I decided to take the leap and study law. I had always admired the profession.
What does your role at Rowlinsons involve?
I work in the busy Commercial Property Department. My work is wide and varied and can include working with developers on the acquisition of land, finance and plot sales, advising on leasehold enfranchisement matters, working with landlords or tenants in the documentation required to take a lease on a commercial building and working with buy to let landlords in the management of their property portfolios.
I am keen to carry out site visits where appropriate so I can have an active understanding of the property or land, the circumstances and tailor the legal work I carry out to my client’s needs.
What aspects of your training contract did you enjoy the most, and which did you find the most challenging?
Working with the oracle that is Mike Daly. He is a highly experienced solicitor in our department. What Mike doesn’t know about property is not worth knowing.
It was particularly challenging to work remotely during the training contract, as you can imagine, I needed quite a lot of support in the early days. However, if I called any of my colleagues they would always provide that advice and assistance I needed.
What advice would you give to someone starting their Legal Career?
Take the plunge and do it. The knowledge gained from the study of law alone is invaluable. Reach out, ask questions and network, network, network!
Tell us one highlight of your career that has made you proud?
Supporting our young legal apprentice Emily Rogers and watching her grow in knowledge, experience and confidence.
How would you describe Rowlinsons support, and what makes us unique?
Rowlinsons is a close knit firm and very supportive. Anyone in this firm is willing to listen and give their advice and guidance. This was particularly obvious when lockdown restrictions were at their height and we were all to work remotely. Ultimately, as a newly qualified solicitor, I will still need much support and I know I will find that here.