My name is Kirsty Haines and I started my training contract with John Collins & Partners LLP in September 2008.
After completing my Law degree in 2006 at Swansea University, gaining a 2:1 classification, I decided to take a year out before I completed the Legal Practice Course.
During this year I worked for JCP as a paralegal in their Property Department, gaining valuable experience and developing my legal knowledge immensely. This gap period gave me the opportunity to see how Solicitors work in practice, helping me to complete my Legal Practice at Swansea University in 2008, where I gained a Distinction.
In my first six months of my training contract at JCP, my first seat was in Employment Law, I found my time in the Employment Department extremely interesting, it included attending Employment Tribunals, providing me with a good insight into the practical aspects of Employment Law. My second and current seat is within the Commercial Litigation Department where I get the opportunity to meet Clients and attend Court Hearings, something I feel is playing a fundamental role in preparing me for my legal career.
During my time at JCP, I have been able to attend many events and seminars which have allowed me to develop my interpersonal skills, meet both existing and new clients, in addition to furthering my legal knowledge which are crucial ingredients to any training contract.
I am thoroughly enjoying my training and have been made to feel part of the team and I have been welcomed by everyone at the firm. I feel that I have the support from my Supervisors, who have been extremely encouraging and approachable. I am looking forward to gaining more experience in non-contentious areas of Law in my second year. I am learning every day and I know that training with John Collins and Partners LLP will provide me with everything that I need to have a successful legal career.
Kirsty Haines
Trainee Solicitor
