Work Experience Blog - Komal Sehgal

August 2010

I have recently completed a two week work placement at Rollits in York. My experience here has given me an invaluable insight of the firm's operations, its solicitors, support staff and what life as a trainee and a future partner of the firm would be like.

I was very nervous when I first arrived at the office as I was the only student on the placement in York but I can honestly say if anything this has been an advantage. It was clear everyone at the firm had read my profile prior to me attending and made the time and effort to discuss the placement and my personal interests. For this reason, the first thing that struck me about the firm was the culture of Rollits. Everybody from the secretaries to the partners were approachable and welcoming. After my first day, I looked forward to coming into work and therefore knew this was the firm I wanted to form my future career with.

During my time in York, I had the opportunity to get involved in areas of law which were not available on the Law degree or the Legal Practice Course such as Charities Law and Commercial Dispute Resolution. I was involved in a variety of work such as writing an article on the public benefit requirements for Charities Law, applying for a first registration in Property, drafting resolutions, researching various topics such as The Academies Act 2010 and writing a further article for Dispute Resolution on The Bribery Act 2010. I thoroughly enjoyed experiencing these new areas and contributing especially when a letter that I had drafted had been sent out to a client! This was definitely a highlight for me, my contribution really counted which has boosted my confidence and has been very rewarding. I realised the firm places trust and responsibility into their future trainees from the very first day.

Rollits operates an open door policy which meant although I was the only student based in York, I never felt hesitant when approaching people. The people at the firm are bright and encouraging. They made me feel as though I already work at the firm by being allowed to attend departmental meetings and being asked for my opinion in relation to current transactions or how to market to tenders.

Being on my own in York meant that I was given access to challenging work in a small close team atmosphere which allowed me to take greater levels of responsibility in an environment where I knew I had the support and experience of the rest of the team to call on.

I also attended the Hull office and had a talk on IT and accounts. This was extremely useful and relevant given the current market. Solicitors at the firm are encouraged not only to develop their legal skills but also have a great awareness of the firm's business operations and client retention. The ethos of Rollits is 'one firm'. By including all the work placement student in both Hull and York on the talk, various meetings and business development initiatives, it was clear the firm stands up to this and makes you feel a part of the same team. I was able to put forward a personal perspective on a marketing exercise based on graduate recruitment with the other students. It was clear my ideas had been listened to and valued.

My work placement at Rollits has been second to none. I have had practical exposure to new areas of law and been encouraged to contribute as part of the team from day one. I was able to be myself whilst integrating with a close and supportive team but it was the amount of varied and quality work which has been the most impressive. Rollits provides a well rounded experience and I would encourage eligible trainees to apply for a training contract with the firm.