To mark International Women’s Day today (March 8) three of our trainee solicitors give a personal account of what the law means to them and how it can change lives for the better.
Burcu Bulbul, family law: Law is a crucial element of life. It can and does adapt to societal changes. For example, same-sex marriages and raising the age of marriage from 16 to 18 to prevent forced marriages an reduce child and sexual abuse. Family law, therefore, provides a lesson to those who have misused the law but most importantly, protects victims of domestic abuse by allowing them to move to a life free of abuse – something they may only have been able to dream of. Being a family lawyer brings immense satisfaction by helping to make positive and meaningful change to people’s lives.
Maria Blanco, property law: Although there are daily challenges, it’s exciting to solve them myself. There are common issues for first- time buyers, particularly with the information they receive on the outset of a transaction. Often, I have seen defects or unfavourable terms in the lease which are difficult and time consuming to rectify but aren’t obvious until later in the transaction. I know the challenges faced, even when you ask the right questions. Common ones involve dealing with fire safety certificates for long lease tenants as well as ground rent. I try to spot these problems quickly and rectify them without delaying the transaction to ensure that my client gets the dream house they want. When you give joy to other people, you get more joy in return.
Lucy Eveleigh: Solicitor Apprentice, Landlord and Tenant: To me, the law is an integral part of society as it applies to everyone. We have a responsibility to uphold certainty in the public’s perception of the legal profession, and gaining the trust of clients is fundamental. I aim to work towards this by being confident in the specialist legal advice I give and being reliable, honest, and communicative. I feel this is particularly important with clients who require representation in litigious and potentially emotional matters, especially with those who do not have extensive legal knowledge. One of the most vital parts of the profession is protecting the most vulnerable in society.
