Following the announcement of four newly qualified solicitors at Harrison Drury, we’re proud to celebrate the success of Casey Moonie, who has qualified into our land and property dispute resolution team.
We spoke to Casey about her journey as a trainee and the lessons she’s taken from that experience. Here, she reflects on the skills she developed along the way and how they’ve prepared her for the next stage of her career.
If you could sum up your journey to becoming a qualified solicitor in three words, what would they be?
Long, challenging, but ultimately rewarding.
What inspired you to pursue a career in law, and what made you choose your practice area?
I didn’t intend to study law; I fell into it because of a conflicting A-Level timetable. I had an extremely passionate teacher who encouraged me to pursue a career in law, and I’ve never looked back.
I undertook my first seat in the land and property dispute resolution team and quickly realised the high quality of the work and the valuable exposure junior members of the team are given.
The people also play a big part. I know I will be surrounded by a supportive group of colleagues who I can continue to learn from.
How has the team at Harrison Drury supported you during your training?
The team at Harrison Drury has been fully committed to my development throughout my training. They have encouraged me to explore areas I hadn’t previously experienced and have been proactive in creating opportunities for me to gain hands-on involvement.
Who has been your biggest influence or mentor, and what did you learn from them?
A member of the team once said to me: “All experience is good experience” and they were right. It isn’t unusual to find yourself in a practice area you don’t necessarily align with or tasked with a piece of work that you don’t enjoy. That said, you always get something out of it.
What’s the one skill you use the most at work that you never thought would be part of your daily toolkit?
Translation, not of language but of complex legal detail into clear and practical advice.
It isn’t enough to understand the legal detail; the key is being able to communicate it in a way that is appropriate for your audience.
What advice would you give current or future trainees preparing for qualification?
Don’t wait until qualification to step up, use your final months as a trainee to take more ownership of your work, anticipate next steps and start approaching matters with the mindset of a solicitor.
What is your favourite memory during your time at Harrison Drury?
I don’t have one specific favourite memory. For me, it is more about the day-to-day interactions with colleagues who I genuinely get along with. Those daily interactions are what make the days go faster and work more enjoyable.
What’s the most unexpected challenge you’ve faced during your training, and how did you overcome it?
Although not entirely unexpected, I think the biggest challenge has been adapting to seat rotations, particularly when placed in unfamiliar practice areas. I overcame this challenge by fully immersing myself, giving each seat my best effort and seeking guidance whenever needed.
What’s the biggest misconception people have about your job?
That it’s anything like the TV shows. While there are opportunities to attend Court from time to time in litigious seats, it certainly isn’t a usual day in the office. A lot of your work is undertaken behind the scenes, but that doesn’t mean it goes unnoticed or is less important.
Who or what outside of the legal world inspires you in your work?
My family and friends encourage me to be the best I can be.
Interested in finding out more about a career in law? Our careers page has more details about the opportunities at Harrison Drury.