Maddie P

My Law Firm

Profile:

I am a trainee solicitor at Herbert Smith Freehills and started my training contract in March 2022. I studied Chemistry at University College London and graduated in 2019.

I began exploring a career in law in my second year of university when I realised a research-based career was not for me. I initially became drawn to law because of Intellectual Property (IP) law which embodies the novelty and innovation that I associate with Chemistry.

It was daunting trying to navigate the legal sector which was completely unfamiliar to me as a STEM student and with no family or friends already in law. Aspiring Solicitors made navigating the sector a lot easier for me because it provided me with opportunities to meet firms and understand what the career can offer me as well as what I can offer it. I also gained a week’s legal work experience at a brokerage firm through Aspiring Solicitors – it was the first legal work experience I had. I believe this helped me to secure further experiences and vacation schemes which was incredibly important for demonstrating my commitment to the career.

There have been challenging times at home, coming from a low-income family and without a relative who is also working in the legal sector. But, this has always encouraged me to have big ambitions.

Herbert Smith Freehills champion diversity and social mobility, and I see that everyday when I go to work. The firm wants you to be true to yourself and champion our differences because that’s how we add value.

If you have any questions about embarking on your journey into a legal career, please do reach out to me.

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