Gaining Real-World Legal Experience: How Thomas Flavell & Sons Helped Shape My Career Ambitions

Having a keen interest in a career in law and in commercial property, I was ambitious to gain hands-on legal experience and apply my legal knowledge in professional practice. Thomas Flavell & Sons allowed me to turn my enthusiasm into reality by providing me with a staggering opportunity to work with their conveyancing team under the supervision of Chris Stratford for a week. Walking into the office, I was aware I'd be stepping into a fast-paced environment, and because of that, I was unsure of how I would thrive as an undergraduate law student. However, what I didn’t expect was how much I’d take joy in every day, and that is entirely down to the team with Ange, Daisy, Franny, Chris and Charlotte. 

From day one, I felt a part of the team, as they encouraged my curiosity and never made me feel out of place for asking questions. Their openness, support and warmth transformed what could have been a daunting experience into one of genuine learning and connection. It is because of them that I was able to raise my confidence when taking on new challenges within the firm. 

On my first day, I learnt first-hand the intricacy of extracting key information from leases whilst referring to the head of terms. I witnessed the precision and care that go into the earliest stages of a lease transaction and was entrusted with selecting significant advice to provide in a client meeting. Before the client meeting, I had a one-on-one with Gavin Hammond, who further detailed the legal terms and how to apply them at later stages of a lease transaction. Throughout the client meeting, I shadowed Gavin as he tailored that advice into a client transaction, whilst gaining an understanding of how to speak professionally to clients. Despite a packed day, I was also able to shadow my team as they completed risk assessment forms and client calls. Gaining that valuable first-hand experience prepared me for the week ahead. 

As the week progressed, I fully immersed myself in the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954, the Law Society Conveyancing Protocol, and leasehold covenants. These legal frameworks I explored allowed me to deepen my understanding of how leases are created and the research that accompanies them. Each task provided me with new opportunities to expand my awareness of conveyancing whilst highlighting how each team member uses this knowledge to advise clients with accuracy and rigour. I then focused on a pro bono case that required me to review a lease renewal. Throughout this task, I studied both the new and old leases and identified any relevant issues or errors. The highlight of this task was drafting a lease review report for the client, in which I assembled an in-depth summary of the old lease and any discrepancies between it and the new lease, and outlined the next steps the client should take. Furthering my knowledge of leases, I also reviewed a CPSE and how it applies to the formation of a contract. 

Towards the end of my placement, I came to appreciate the importance of my legal research, of communicating complex information clearly and confidently, and of how essential this is to the foundation for providing ultimate client care in conveyancing. Every task I completed was as crucial as the other in further solidifying my decision in a career path in the legal world. 

Looking back, what made this experience unique wasn’t just the skills I gained; it was the team I worked with. It truly was a privilege to work alongside committed and supportive professionals, which showed the type of law firm I aspire to work with. Thank you to everyone at Thomas Flavell & Sons Hinckley for showing me lawyers who combine technical precision with genuine care for clients and colleagues, whilst making my first legal work experience insightful!