Following the announcement of four newly qualified solicitors at Harrison Drury, we’re proud to celebrate the success of Lucy Parkhouse, who has qualified into our land and property dispute resolution team.
Joining Harrison Drury as a paralegal, Lucy quickly found her passion for the work. With strong mentorship and a supportive team behind her, Lucy embraced every opportunity to grow. Here, she reflects on her experiences and the lessons she’s learned along the way.
If you could sum up your journey to becoming a qualified solicitor in three words, what would they be?
Testing, transformative, and worthwhile.
What inspired you to pursue a career in law, and what made you choose your practice area?
I had been seriously considering a career in journalism until my dad remarked on my exceptional ability to hold an argument – from then on, I was set on law.
I joined Harrison Drury as a paralegal in the land and property dispute resolution team and immediately loved it. The variety of the work is excellent. Every case brings something different, and I love the challenge of finding practical solutions under pressure. It keeps me engaged and constantly learning, which is exactly what I was looking for in a career. When I was offered a tailored training contract and an NQ position in the team, I was delighted.
How has the team at Harrison Drury supported you during your training?
The support from my colleagues has been exceptional. As I settled into my role as a paralegal, I quickly realised I had landed on my feet, both with the firm and within my team. My training was maximised by a mutual respect and trust between me and my colleagues.
I was providing representation for clients at hearings six weeks into my training contract. At the time, it felt like I was more realistic to ask me to climb Everest than to go to court and make submissions to a Judge. But those experiences were incredibly formative and really pushed me to grow as a trainee. The team knew exactly what they were doing, of course!
Who has been your biggest influence or mentor, and what did you learn from them?
I’m fortunate to have several people I could consider mentors both at Harrison Drury and in my personal life, but I couldn’t talk about my training contract and qualification without mentioning my training supervisor in the land and property dispute resolution team, Joseph Mitchell.
Joseph has guided me from paralegal all the way to becoming a qualified solicitor. We’ve spent a lot of time working closely together – I’d go so far as to say we’re something of an iconic duo at this point. Working with Joseph has been invaluable; he’s an incredibly intelligent and pragmatic lawyer. I joined Harrison Drury as a complete blank slate, and much of my legal practice and technique has been shaped and influenced by Joseph’s guidance.
What’s the one skill you use the most at work that you never thought would be part of your daily toolkit?
Active listening. I think lawyers are probably more associated with talking rather than listening, but utilising active listening is so important. Understanding a client’s needs, concerns, or even what’s left unsaid shapes the advice I give and the outcome of a matter.
What advice would you give current or future trainees preparing for qualification?
Ask ‘stupid’ questions – would you rather know the answer now, or still be none the wiser in six months? I’d also recommend being proactive throughout your training. Taking initiative now will prepare you for the reality of qualified life when you’re running your own cases. Don’t wait around to be told what to do – it’s a great way to build confidence and show you’re ready to take responsibility.
What is your favourite memory during your time at Harrison Drury?
The day I qualified was really special. My team had made a huge effort in decorating my desk and gifting me some thoughtful presents. I cried several times throughout the day but made sure no one saw it.
I did a lot of reflecting that day and found myself very grateful for the support and encouragement my team showed me throughout my journey at Harrison Drury.
What’s the most unexpected challenge you’ve faced during your training, and how did you overcome it?
One of the biggest challenges I faced during my training contract was dealing with imposter syndrome. This especially reared its head just before my qualification. I had a real wobble and felt I wasn’t ready to qualify, and that I wasn’t good enough. I found it really difficult to overcome. The best medicine was speaking to colleagues who had qualified relatively recently; it turned out most of them had experienced the same thing.
The head of my team picked up on my nervousness and met with me before my qualification to provide some much-needed reassurance and an ear for my worries. I really appreciated that. As soon as I qualified, it became clear that the anxiety had been unnecessary.
What’s the biggest misconception people have about your job?
I get asked at an alarming frequency if my life is like Suits. The answer is no. Harvey Specter does not know the Outlook interface like I do.
Who or what outside of the legal world inspires you in your work?
My parents inspire me every day. They invested so much in my education – my mum had a book in my hand as soon as I could open my eyes. Knowing how much time, effort, and support they’ve given me over the years keeps me motivated.
I know it makes them proud to see that investment come full circle, and that inspires me to keep moving forward.
Interested in finding out more about a career in law? Our careers page has more details about the opportunities at Harrison Drury.