MCP Solicitors' Trainees' Career Progression
Robert Colwell
I completed my LLB at Nottingham Trent University and took the LPC at DeMontfort University in Leicester. I began working as a paralegal for MCP Solicitors in the Thetford branch in the Commercial Department. After 6 months I was offered a Training Contract.
My first seat was in the Criminal department in King's Lynn. I accompanied my Training Principal to the police station, Magistrates and Crown Courts on a daily basis and also attended prison legal visits. I was also given cases to work on under the supervision of solicitors.
My Wills & Probate seat followed and was also based at King's Lynn. I have drafted Wills, prepared Probate application, dealt with general estate matters and Inland Revenue procedures. I then moved to the Dispute Resolution department.
It is evident that MCP Solicitors is keen to expand its reach and subsequently its client base. This offers job reassurance for trainees who wish to remain in the area and also our clients who benefit from an ever increasing number of experienced staff. MCP Solicitors has offered me the hands on learning that is essential following the introduction gained from the LPC.
MCP Solicitors takes an active role in organising local young solicitor social events as well as promoting a strong bond between its own trainees.
I qualified as a solicitor into the Family department in March 2007 and was based in the Wisbech office with my own case load. After 6 months an opportunity arose for me to work at the King's Lynn office where I am the only full time Fee Earner in the department. My case load is predominantly Legal Aid although I have a growing private client list. I also have responsibility for making monthly submissions to the Legal Services Commission.
Aimee Marsh
I joined MCP Solicitors in July 2006 after completing my law degree at the University of East Anglia in Norwich and LPC at Nottingham Law School. I spent 12 months in the family department in the Thetford office as a paralegal before my Training Contract commenced in July 2007.
I enjoyed my time in the Family department greatly as I was able to have hands-on experience in many areas of family law including relationship breakdown, domestic violence, financial disputes, Children Act proceedings and even child abduction proceedings. I was also able to gain practical experience of court procedures and often accompanied counsel to hearings both in County Courts and the High Court.
During my training contract I have spent time training in the Property department in Thetford and the Criminal department in King's Lynn. I am currently in the final seat of my training contract in the Commercial department in Thetford. I am pleased that I have been able to gain such varied experience.
MCP Solicitors has offered both a professional and supportive working environment and I have appreciated the training I have received from solicitors who have vast amounts of experience in their areas of law.
Louisa Mawbey
After completing my law degree I decided to take a gap year to travel and work in Australia. In addition, I worked for a year to gain varied experience in work places. I then returned to academic study, completing my LPC at The University of Sheffield.
In August 2004 I joined MCP Solicitors as a paralegal, having been offered a Training Contract which commenced in September 2005.
I spent a year working as a paralegal in the Crime department. Work in that department was exciting, fast-moving and always interesting. The department dealt with the whole criminal process from arrest and police investigation, through the court system, to prison and, finally, release.
My next seats were in the Family and Conveyancing departments of the Wisbech office. Whilst working in these departments I was given plenty of opportunity for hands-on experience and I appreciated the thorough training and support.
The final seat of my training contract was in the Wills & Probate department of the King's Lynn office and this is where I qualified and currently work. I work alongside one of the Partners who provides excellent guidance and encouragement. I have a diverse caseload which includes Will drafting, Estate Planning, Trusts, Estate Administration, Lasting Powers of Attorney and Court of Protection work.
MCP Solicitors is a well established firm but it is also progressive and I am glad to have the opportunity to be a member of the MCP team and feel that I will be able to develop to my fullest potential within the firm.
David Roper
After completing a degree in biochemistry at the University of Bristol I went on to take a year out working before commencing the CPE and then the LPC at the University of the West of England.
In September 2006 I joined Metcalfe Copeman and Pettefar Solicitors as a paralegal, having been offered a training contract which commenced in September 2007.
I spent my first six months as a paralegal in the Thetford Office's Commercial department followed by the second six months in the Criminal department at our King's Lynn branch. I thoroughly enjoyed both areas of law covered during my paralegal year which, although very different, gave me good hands on experience with dealing with clients and drafting a variety of legal documents which helped to prepare me for my training contract.
I began my training contract with our Family department in Peterborough assisting in a variety of family law based work but primarily focused on child care work. During this seat I was fortunate enough to be involved in a complex High Court case in which I worked closely with Junior and Senior Counsel as well as our client.
I am currently working in the Conveyancing department of our King's Lynn office and I hope to complete my final seat by returning to the Criminal department and to obtain police station accreditation.
Since starting with MCP Solicitors I am pleased to note that the majority of trainees who have subsequently qualified have taken up positions with the firm which offers reassurance to trainees that those who wish to remain in the area with have opportunity to practice at the firm.
MCP Solicitors takes an active role in organising social events for local trainees and young solicitors ranging from meals to dragon boat racing providing ample opportunities to strengthen the bonds between its trainees.
