Will will be qualifying as a Solicitor this September, and he will be based at our Lace Market office in Nottingham.
What is your official job title? And where are you usually based?
“I am a trainee solicitor in the Employment Team. I am due to qualify as a solicitor in September and will be based at the 2 Kayes Walk Nottingham Office as an Employment Solicitor.”
What inspired you to get into law?
“My journey into law was largely by chance. When trying to decide on universities and courses after my A-Levels, I participated in various university workshops, discussing everything from the complexities of overseas tax loopholes to the case study of R v Dudley and Stephens (known as the Mignonette case, which ruled out the idea that necessity could be a defence for murder).
“From then, I knew that a law degree was for me and, after I graduated with first class honours, I decided to enrol on the Legal Practice Course with an MSc in Business & Management, which I passed with distinction in 2022. After a brief break from education to travel around SE Asia, I set my sights on getting a training contract and starting my professional career in law.
“The law has always interested me, and its ever-changing pace means that we’re always kept on our toes, whether that be by legislative and regulatory updates, or a client coming in with an unexpected query. The chance to apply ourselves to new legal problems and create solutions which have a direct impact on people’s lives makes sure that every day is different, challenging, and rewarding.”
Why did you choose your area of law?
“I have always gravitated towards employment law, both when studying and during my training contract. Employment law allows me to work at the intersection of people and business, offering both technical advice to employers, assisting them to make confident and informed decisions which help their businesses; as well as supporting employees through challenging situations which often have a direct impact on their working lives and livelihoods.
“From offering support through restructures and legislative changes, to advising on policies and contracts; to helping navigate complex workplace issues and assisting at the Employment Tribunal, employment law offers a rewarding balance of technical work, strategic thinking, and human insight.”
Is there a standout moment in your career to date?
“Being a junior lawyer at the start of my career, any opportunity to tackle a new problem or help out an individual or business which is navigating a difficult situation will always be a standout moment for me.
“One moment that does come to mind is one of the first times I got to lead on a piece of work, which involved defending our client from the threat of legal proceedings, relating to his decision to leave his employer. We stepped in to dissuade the other side from taking any further action and successfully protected his employment position and rights.
“Being trusted to handle a matter which could have had a significant impact on our client’s working life and stability, whilst knowing that I had the support of the incredible team behind me, was a milestone that confirmed I’d chosen the right path.”
Are there any other things that you do outside of you usual day job? (volunteering, members of associations, additional skills/qualifications)
“Outside of work, I enjoy keeping active and spending time outdoors. I’m currently getting back into golf, which I balance with my usual hobbies of training at the gym, playing squash, and trekking through the Peak District or the Yorkshire Dales.
“I’m also a PADI open-water scuba diver, and enjoy diving when I get the chance, usually in the warmer waters of the Mediterranean or the Philippine Sea.”
What advice would you give your younger self?
“Don’t take that break from golf – your swing won’t thank you for it and neither will all those balls donated to the trees!”
Whether you’re an employer or employee seeking expert employment law advice, get in touch with Will on 03456 465 465 or email enquiries@rotherabray.co.uk
