My reflection on my time at Dyne Solicitors coincides nicely with my one year anniversary at the firm.
They say time flies by when you’re having fun, but I would add that time flies by when work does not give you time to stop!
I began my legal career back in 2017, when I studied Law and Criminology at the University of Chester.
Unusually, I picked an elective of Environmental Law (after some encouragement from a family member), which gave me an early insight into the Environmental Permitting Regulations.
After finishing my degree in the midst of Covid, my progress ground to a halt.
The unexpected climate left me lethargic in the search for work and rejections for many trainee and junior office roles hampered my appetite.
I eventually found a full time position in the Local Authority, working within Alcohol, Gambling, and Taxi Licensing.
Here, I rediscovered my interest in law – and to the surprise of some, sought to help members of the public navigate difficulties with legislation.
This gave me a sense of purpose beyond simply going through the motions, and working in this public facing role gave me invaluable insight into the everyday struggles of the public.
The law is complex at the best of times – and if I could help someone overcome an issue, then why wouldn’t I?
Ironically, had the IT systems worked correctly, I never would have met Alex Sandland and likely what not be in the position that I am in now!
A leap of faith
I made the leap to go into private practice at a regional firm in February 2023.
Having not yet studied my LPC nor worked in such a business before, it was, initially, overwhelming and I felt perhaps unsettled as those around me were more qualified and experienced.
Fortunately, this feeling was short lived and I soon grew into the role, experiencing work in property and commercial litigation.
Now reinvigorated, I enrolled for my LPC in my spare time, in order to complete my studies whilst simultaneously gaining the much-needed job experience.
I knew this would be a challenge, but I had in my mind that if I could not do it – then I did not have what it takes to become a solicitor.
Perhaps a harsh ultimatum, but one which has helped me end up where I am today.
I joined Dyne Solicitors to begin my training contract in March 2024.
Having just started my LPC in my spare time, uprooting from work to join the niche firm on the edge of Chester was undoubtedly a risk.
I had the comforts of knowing the Director, Alex Sandland, but joining a small group of solicitors presented a potential challenge. How would I adapt? Would I fit in? How would the expectations of me differ?
The present – and the future?
The truth is that it could not have gone smoother.
The firm has embraced me with open arms and there is a certain “vibe” at the firm that I have not experienced elsewhere.
From all levels of staff there is an overwhelming sense of community, direction, and support, not just when in work, but also outside of work.
I have recently begun to experience work within Environmental and Transport Law and I remain as motivated as ever. I am fortunate to be able to learn from experts in these fields at DSL and give me an insight into areas of law that many will never experience.
Of particular interest to me are matters that have a “hybrid” function – often a litigious action with a regulatory background. A truly niche area of work that is as rewarding as it is interesting.
Perhaps one day I will return to my roots and offer advice within Licensing – and further expand the regulatory offerings at DSL.
Joining Dyne Solicitors was undoubtedly the right decision for me – and being a part of this high functioning, quirky family has allowed me to grow and develop.
I feel like I am not just learning, but I am becoming an integral part of the team and the firm. I am very keen to continue my development and play a key part in the growth of the firm, both in the near and long-term future.
Dyne Solicitors feels like a firm where I can not only thrive, but where I can be myself.
When I describe the firm to friends and family, it is easy for a “boring” picture to be painted when you mention the words environmental law, transport law etc.
However, the reality of the life at Dyne Solicitors could not be further from this.