Qualifying as a solicitor takes years of hard work, determination and gaining hands-on experience across different practices. At Harrison Drury, we are proud to support and develop the next generation of talent who are looking to build a career in law.
This year, we are welcoming Olivia Moore to our divorce and family law team. She joined us in 2022 as a paralegal before becoming a trainee in 2024, and we spoke to her about the experiences and lessons she has learned during her journey to becoming a newly qualified solicitor.
Tell us a little about your role now that you have qualified.
I recently qualified into the family team at our Kendal office. I work with all types of clients, from business owners to stay-at-home parents, assisting with divorce proceedings and financial remedy matters, including negotiations and settlements.
I trained under John Osborne and will continue to assist him with his caseload while developing my own.
What first made you seriously consider law as a career, and how has that motivation changed through your training?
I chose to study law because I really wanted to challenge myself academically and prove that I could achieve at a high level. I quickly developed a passion for family law, which presented so many complex cases and I became fascinated by the emotional motivation behind them.
In my role today, I help clients get through what is often one of the most stressful periods of their lives. I apply legal principles and case law in a way that supports their individual needs, while making the process as easy to navigate as possible.
Which practice area seats did you complete and what did you learn from the different types of law?
I was fortunate to spend both the first and final six months of my training contract in the family team. I also worked in the construction team with Katherine Sibley and the private client team with Jan Wright.
Construction, much like family law, included both contentious and non-contentious matters, and I learned a lot about the complexities of large construction contracts, as well as subcontractor liabilities and warranties.
My time in private client was mainly non-contentious and taught me the importance of attention to detail and client service, particularly under Jan Wright’s mentorship.
How has feedback from leaders and colleagues shaped the way you practise law today?
The guidance I received has had a huge impact on how I do my job. It’s been great having John, Jan and Kath as mentors, and many other colleagues who have supported my development.
Although they are all busy with their own workloads, they taught me the importance of high professional standards, taking pride in my work, and keeping the client’s best interests at the centre of everything I do. I am so grateful to each of them.
What’s the best piece of advice you received from a mentor during your training and how do you apply it in your work?
I reached out to John while I was still studying for my LLB Degree. He advised me that one of the ways to succeed in the law is by finding your niche.
That advice stuck with me, and throughout my training, I looked for opportunities to improve my knowledge of family law. Now that I’m qualified, I will continue developing my expertise and passion in this area.
What do you think makes a good mentor and how has support from your mentors influenced you during training?
A good mentor is patient and firm. To truly learn and grow, you need someone who will support you but also hold you accountable and encourage you to step outside of your comfort zone.
I worked extremely hard during my training contract, but my mentors also gave a great deal of their time to support my development. I am so grateful for their guidance and hope that one day I will be able to support a trainee with the same level of encouragement that I received.
What advice would you give to someone preparing for the SQE or the training contract process?
Be prepared to work harder than you ever thought possible, particularly if you are studying alongside a full-time role.
It is also important to be honest with your supervisors about your capacity, while always showing willingness to help wherever you can. Do not be afraid to put yourself forward. Motivation, consistency and a proactive attitude do not go unnoticed.
Now you’ve qualified, what are you most looking forward to next in your role?
I’m looking forward to continuing to develop my skills, delivering the high standard of service that has been demonstrated to me and becoming the best solicitor I can be. I am particularly looking forward to working with clients and guiding them through the process, from their initial meeting through to a final order.
Outside of law, what or who inspires you and how does that influence the way you work?
Without question, my mum and my late nanna have been my biggest inspirations. I was raised by two incredibly strong women who always encouraged and supported me to strive for whatever I wanted to achieve.
Their influence has kept me grounded and has given me a strong appreciation of the importance of family, which is something that shapes the way I approach my work in family law.
What’s something you enjoy doing outside the office that helps you stay balanced or brings you joy?
I have a real passion for cycling. I got into it during my training contract, and it has completely reshaped my routine outside of work.
Given the pressures that can come with our profession, having a hobby like cycling has helped me stay motivated. I now spend many weekends out on the road and find it’s a great way to switch off.
Interested in finding out more about a career in law? Our careers page has more details about the opportunities at Harrison Drury.