Inspiring Kingston University's Students: Hollie Redman tells us how she progressed from being an aspiring law student to becoming a partner at a law firm at the age of twenty-seven…
Having met Hollie several times, I knew she would be the perfect person for our success story as she is a great representation of a successful individual. Hollie’s determination and hard work progressed her career greatly as she came to be a Partner at a local law firm at the age of twenty-seven.
Hollie graduated Kingston University with an LLB Law Degree in 2007 and went on to complete her Legal Practice Course at BPP Law School in London Waterloo.
1. Tell me about your involvement at Kingston University.
Whilst at university I attended events at the Inns, such as the dinners organised by Lincoln’s Inn and Inner Temple. I enjoyed rowing as it was one of my main interests outside of law. With eight training sessions per week, the sport took up a lot of my time therefore I had to manage my time well.
2. When did you decide you wanted to become a solicitor?
Having enjoyed studying law, I decided to head for the career of a solicitor in the second year of my degree. I felt it was a good career choice and that it would give me the option of branching out into areas of law, which I was fond of.
3. Tell me about your professional experience.
I began my professional experience as a Trainee Law Costs Draftsman at Lyons Davidson. Within the role, I mainly dealt with the costs element of litigation and personal injury cases, usually after settlements I would take care of bill negotiation. I then went on to be a Paralegal at Gibson Young. Working at the high street firm for a year, I was offered a Training Contract. The firm took my previous experience into consideration and reduced the duration of my Training Contract to eighteen months. I qualified as a solicitor on the 20th July 2012.
4. Did you ever feel like giving up on trying to get a training contract?
Spending hours on personalised responses to application forms, and having a glimmer of hope after receiving a reply that I have been shortlisted but to then find out that I did not make it to the interview stage was extremely frustrating for me. I felt like giving up on securing a Training Contract when I was a Trainee Law Costs Draftsman and a Paralegal as I was meeting individuals who had been at law firms for several years and were yet to secure a Training Contract. I am glad that I did not give up, through my determination I achieved great success!
5. How did your partnership at Rose & Rose come about?
Having been at Gibson Young for a few years, I decided to see what else was available in the job market. In a speculative manner, I sent my CV to Rose & Rose Solicitors, having heard of their great reputation. After making a great impression at the interview, I was offered partnership and commenced work at Rose & Rose Solicitors at the age of twenty-seven.
6. Having regional law firm experience, why did you choose Rose & Rose?
I prefer working in smaller firms whilst having regional firm experience. There is a trust in employees, which you do not have in larger firms. It was evident in the larger firm that employees did not have a personal attachment to the firm and it felt like everyone was just a number. Whereas at Rose & Rose Solicitors, I have the freedom to manage my own diary, to arrange meetings to fit in with my schedule, overall I am responsible for organising my day.
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