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Seema studied Law at the University of Bristol before completing her LPC at the University of Law in Bristol.
Seema is currently a first year trainee solicitor, sitting in the Agricultural Property Litigation team in Bristol.
What did you do before starting your training contract?
After graduating, I worked as a Paralegal at Hugh James Solicitors in Cardiff in the Nursing Care team. Managing my own caseload as a Paralegal was a perfect opportunity to get a feel for what life as a lawyer is really like. It allowed me to develop skills which are now invaluable as a trainee, such as client care, drafting letters and submissions and time recording. Of course there are also the less obvious advantages such as developing patience towards jamming photocopiers!
What made you choose Michelmores?
There are various reasons why I chose Michelmores. I loved studying in Bristol, so was keen to return there to work. With offices in Bristol, Exeter and London, Michelmores provided the opportunity to work in Bristol with the added prospect of doing seats in Exeter and London. I was drawn to the high quality, challenging and varied work Michelmores offers, and the opportunity to work with both national and international clients. Michelmores is also a very ambitious and continually growing Firm, so it is an exciting time to be a part of the Firm.
Aside from the work and opportunities offered, I was drawn to the culture at Michelmores. It is a very inclusive Firm and as many trainees have mentioned in the past, everyone is very friendly and welcoming. It is also a very social place to work!
What has been your best moment so far?
My first and second seats have been in the Agricultural Property Litigation team in Bristol.
When I joined the Agricultural Property Litigation team in September last year, I had very little idea of what the work would entail. However, six months in and I have already been involved in some really interesting and varied work, working with different team members and have been afforded a good level of responsibility and client contact. ‘Agricultural law’ is not something that is commonly taught during an undergraduate law degree so it has been great getting to learn a whole new area of law!
My personal highlights include attending and completing work for various hearings and settlement meetings, and more recently a mediation. Some of the research tasks have also been very interesting and have covered topics you would not typically expect to see!
Looking beyond the legal work, as a first year trainee, I was part of the trainee fundraising group who organised the Michelmores’ Christmas Bazaar. In total, we raised over £2000 for the Firm’s Charity of the Year, with a donation also being made to the Bristol and London offices’ chosen charities. This was great fun and provided a good opportunity to get to know people across the Firm. As a Bristol trainee, it was also nice to spend some time in the Exeter office. A particular highlight was seeing our ‘Elf Yourself’ idea come to life!
Michelmores’ First Year trainees embracing the ‘Elf Yourself’ photo booth
Although networking can be daunting when starting out as a trainee, I have also enjoyed attending events such as the Bristol office client party at the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery and the Agricultural Roadshow at the Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester.
Outside of the office
Outside of the office, I enjoy socialising and catching up with friends and family. With the Bristol office situated in the city centre, it is perfect for meeting up with friends for lunch and after work. I have always been enthusiastic about sports; although, I have to admit that I tend to watch more than do at the moment. I have recently started to get into yoga and I have also signed up for a 10K run (which I am not at all ready for!) I also like to get out and visit new places when I can and have a trip to Croatia planned for the near future.
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