Book review: From Student to Solicitor by Charlotte Harrison

In an important guide for those aspiring to become solicitors, author Charlotte Harrison writes authoritatively on the dynamics that operate from degree level to life as a trainee solicitor, engaging readers with the use of many practical examples and the author's personal experience from practice.

Structurally, the book contains 21 short chapters shared between three parts that include the academic and vocational qualification stages and the stage of the training contract. The chapters, with titles such as 'Why Become A Solicitor' and 'The View From The Top', authored by Linda Lee, vice president of the Law Society, and Malcolm Padgett, recruitment partner at Coffin Mew, offer unique insight into the preparation stages for a successful career as a solicitor. Not only is there guidance and tips for successful applications and interviews, but there are little details that focus on the appropriate steps for effective networking and 'selling yourself' techniques.

Training contract success

One would be hard pressed in identifying another guide so well written and adequately researched. Above all, the book possesses a distinctive way of addressing the elements of success towards securing a training contract. The author explains with unparalleled precision specific ways that may lead candidates to success: from the requirement of excellent oral and written communication skills and attention to detail to the necessary team work and ability to negotiate effectively, Harrison offers invaluable guidance to those who aspire to be successful.

The 2015 edition of the guide covers important practical elements that candidates should be familiar with, particularly those who have secured an interview for a training contract. The 2015 edition contains coverage of the Solicitors Regulation Authority Training Regulations 2014, as well as reference to the development of apprenticeship schemes. It also includes a chapter on the relevance and importance of the use of social media towards marketing and advertising and case studies from practising solicitors.

A chief aspect of the book focuses on the requirements for a successful training contract application - imperative information, given the competitive nature of the training contract application stage. Harrison has identified the requirements future employers look for in an applicant's personal file and CV and demonstrates with specific examples the elements of competency. These include attention to detail, excellent organisational skills, time management, taking your own initiative, working under pressure, working effectively within a team, and research, problem-solving, and negotiation skills.

Power of networking

What the majority of other, similar books fail to address effectively is the importance that lies with the power of networking. The author dedicates a chapter to defining networking and why it is important, focusing on ways applicants can establish professional connections and potentially open doors into the law. Plain-speaking, Harrison elaborates on why attending fairs and other networking events is as crucial as collecting business cards from well-connected people, enabling applicants to discover and access a wider audience for selling their qualities and skills.

Similarly, Harrison demonstrates with important examples the necessity of writing training contract applications that will win over firms, and the appropriate and effective preparation required for a successful interview.

Preparation for a successful interview is pivotal to any aspiring solicitor's career and the author details what applicants need to consider, such as questions on their weaknesses or the worst decisions they have ever made. Harrison reminds readers they may also be asked to provide examples that demonstrate their organisational skills, their ability to resolve problems under pressure, and provide examples that demonstrate their ability to think on their feet. These are all important elements for a successful career as a solicitor and the author has touched upon such elements with precision, good research, clear analysis, and appropriate and useful examples.

From Trainee to Solicitor is unique in terms of its content and the writing style of the author. The details included in the guide are uniquely desirable and necessary for those who intend on focusing on a career as practising solicitors. This is an essential guide that explains with immense persuasion and accuracy the necessary steps for securing a training contract.

Dr Gregory Ioannidis is a senior lecturer in law at Sheffield Hallam University and an academic associate at Kings Chambers in Manchester.