More Than Work Experience: Building Confidence in Private Client Law

Over the past two weeks, I had the opportunity to gain valuable insight into the work of the private client department at Thomas Flavell & Sons. This experience provided a meaningful introduction to the realities of day-to-day legal practice and allowed me to develop both my understanding and confidence in a professional environment. During my first week, I worked with the head of the Private Client Department, Vijay Singh, which proved to be particularly rewarding. I attended a variety of client meetings covering wills, trust planning, and probate matters. Through this, I was exposed to a broad range of legal tasks that encouraged me to adapt quickly and engage actively with the work.

Throughout the placement, I became involved in a range of tasks that gave me a genuine sense of responsibility within the team and allowed me to become familiar with the firm’s internal system, Actionstep. Rather than simply observing, I was trusted to contribute to ongoing matters, which included preparing draft documents, supporting client communications, and assisting with compliance processes. I also gained exposure to the administrative and procedural aspects of private client work, such as handling inheritance tax documentation. This variety of work allowed me to build confidence quickly and develop a clearer understanding of how different elements of a case come together in practice.

I was invited to attend a networking event hosted by TFS, which was a unique and exciting addition to the placement. It provided a relaxed environment to meet new people, build connections, and gain insight into the wider professional community. A particular highlight was the talk delivered by Ruby Rai, which offered an engaging and thought-provoking overview of recent changes to employee rights. Her perspective made these legal developments feel both accessible and relevant, and it was especially interesting to see how these changes may impact future practice. 

During my second week with TFS I worked closely with Sarah Puzey, which allowed me to build on the foundation I had developed in my first week. I was given the responsibility of drafting Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs), which required careful attention to detail and a clear understanding of the client’s intentions. In addition to drafting, I was able to follow matters through each stage of the process, from initial instructions to execution, which provided key insight into the practical steps involved and the importance of accuracy at every stage. I also spent time working with Zara Taylor, where I assisted with the early stages of the probate process. This included reviewing documentation and helping to organise information required for applications. Being involved at this stage highlighted the importance of thorough preparation.

Alongside practical tasks, I undertook legal research to deepen my understanding of the principles underpinning private client work. This allowed me to contextualise the tasks I was completing within the broader legal framework.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my time at TFS. From the outset, I was made to feel welcome by a supportive team, which gave me the confidence to fully engage with the work and make the most of every opportunity. I was particularly grateful for the breadth of exposure I received within the private client department.

Beyond the technical experience, the firm’s culture stood out as genuinely supportive and collaborative, extending beyond day-to-day work. Attending a team lunch provided the opportunity to connect with colleagues across different roles and gain a deeper appreciation of the people behind the practice.

This experience has not only strengthened my interest in private client work but has also solidified my desire to work within a supportive and client-focused law firm.