Pearson Hinchliffe - commercial law - Advising - Supporting - Delivering

A PHCL Trainee’s experiences

Trainee solicitor Sarah Coombs gives us a snapshot of her developing career at Pearson Hinchliffe Commercial Law.

“I started my training contract in August 2006. From my first day I really felt part of the Pearson Hinchliffe team, with so many welcoming faces I knew I would fit right in. My first seat was to be Litigation, something that although having covered in my LPC I knew very little about. I soon got the hang of it though and was never made to feel uncomfortable about asking questions, no matter how stupid they might have been. I was given the responsibility of managing my own files from the start but I had such excellent support and supervision that this never felt intimidating. I was dealing with clients direct, both on the telephone and in person, varying from individuals, to small business owners to company directors. I was also given the opportunity to visit the County Court and hone my advocacy skills. Standing up in front of a Judge was daunting but having ensured I was well prepared and all my questions had been answered the Partner of the Department sent me off safe in the knowledge that I knew what I was doing and the nerves soon passed.

“My second seat was in criminal law, I found this seat to be both challenging and rewarding. Meeting with clients and counsel, visiting court and prison, reviewing evidence, preparing witness statements, defences and briefs to counsel were all part of my daily routine. No two days were the same and I often had to deal with clients who would first contact us when they were due to attend court the next day, so the pressure could often be on. I regularly attended the Crown Court and was lucky enough to sit in on a full trial on more than one occasion.  I worked with a great team of people, all of whom offered me guidance and advice and let me tag along when they ventured out to the Magistrates Court.

“My final seat was Company Commercial, I started out intending to only have six month seat but having enjoyed it so much and having been offered a job in the department at the end of my training contract, I decided to stay in this seat so I could qualify with greater experience. Due to the specialist nature of the department I have obtained experience in a vast array of Company and Commercial matters and have benefitted greatly from working directly with the Partner of the Department, who has offered me the benefit of his years of experience in the field. I have dealt with the full spectrum of Company law, from forming a company to dealing with companies that have gone into administration. I have been lucky enough to be involved with a number of large deals, both Company sales and purchases, some worth millions of pounds. Preparing terms and conditions for businesses and dealing with such a variety of businesses and companies has meant that I am more commercially aware then ever.

“I am due to qualify in August and although offered a job with Pearson Hinchliffe I have decided to take a career break and go travelling for a time. Pearson Hinchliffe have been so supportive of my decision and I would have no hesitation in returning to work for them as a Qualified Solicitor.” Sarah Coombs, Trainee Solicitor.

Pearson Hinchliffe Commercial Law | Hollinwood Business Centre, Albert Street, Hollinwood, Gtr Manchester, OL8 3QL
Telephone: +44 (0)161 785 3500, Fax: +44 (0)161 624 2589