We are delighted to share Anna’s insight from her recent work experience placement with us. Now in her final year studying Law and Politics, Anna was keen to gain practical exposure to the legal profession and experience first-hand the variety of work undertaken in a busy law firm.
Anna’s reflections highlight the value of combining academic study with practical experience, and we are proud to support aspiring solicitors as they take their first steps towards a successful legal career.
Anna’s Experience
My name is Anna, and I am entering into the final year of my degree in law with politics at Queen’s University Belfast. I completed a week of work experience at Oliver and Co in 2025, from the 15th to the 18th of July. I thoroughly enjoyed my time working here, and I would love to return in the future!
I spent my time at Oliver and Co working in their family law department. I was placed in this department as I hold a keen interest in this area, and I wanted to develop my knowledge and understanding of it. During my time here, I participated in several different tasks and activities. I completed administrative tasks for the department, such as analysing documentation and undertaking legal research. I read through sample cases and completed the relevant documentation. These cases introduced me to the different types of orders a client can request, depending on their situation.
I shadowed the solicitors, which provided me with the opportunity to study the cases that they were working on and to attend meetings with their clients. I examined cases dealing with various elements of family law, from financial disputes to child custody arrangements and divorce proceedings. I also learned about the processes a solicitor must follow before they attend court.
Attending meetings with clients introduced me to the way in which family law solicitors approach difficult situations. Due to the uniquely sensitive nature of family law, I learned that it is necessary for solicitors to be compassionate and empathetic, whilst also being pragmatic and determined.
A highlight from my time at Oliver and Co was the opportunity to observe a remote court hearing with the head of the family law department, Alex Regan. This was highly insightful, as it allowed me to apply my legal training and knowledge to a real-life scenario. I also attended two networking events during my week at the firm, one of which was with the linen hall chamber of barristers. These events provided me with a fantastic opportunity to connect with numerous individuals from different professional backgrounds.
Working in the family law department at Oliver and Co. allowed me to develop my research skills, my professional conduct skills, my communication abilities and my legal knowledge.
Alongside my work in the family law department, Oliver and Co ensured that I had the chance to speak to different solicitors and paralegals from various sectors. This guaranteed that my time working here was well rounded and versatile. The departments I spoke to included personal injury, industrial disease, clinical negligence and conveyancing. The opportunity to have personal meetings with numerous professionals from all kinds of specialities helped me to understand the roles and the work of different legal experts. I learnt a vast amount of information- from the ins and outs of crafting a medical negligence claim to the best ways to improve you CV and LinkedIn profile for future career prospects. I am extremely grateful to all the staff at Oliver and Co, who took the time out of their busy work schedules to speak to me. Their dedication to supporting young professionals is greatly appreciated.
The week I spent working at Oliver and Co was educational, insightful and interesting. The work environment was positive, supportive and friendly. Understanding the reality of a career in law has helped me to confirm that it is a career I would like to pursue in the future. I had a brilliant time working for Oliver and Co. and I am excited to practice the skills that I have acquired here in my final year of university. I would recommend work experience at this firm for anyone who is thinking of taking law at university, currently studying law, or striving towards a career in law. My week here was highly informative, and I now look ahead to pursuing a career in the legal sector.
Are you Looking for Work Experience?
We would love to be able to offer work experience placements every week, but in order to ensure each placement is meaningful, hands-on, and tailored to the individual, we have to strike a careful balance. This is why we are only able to offer a limited number of placements each year, allowing us to give every student the support, guidance, and practical experience they deserve.
Head over to our Careers page to read more about our Work Experience Programme and for details on how to apply.
