Gaining legal work experience with Harrowells

By Alexandra Cryer

I'm currently mid-way through my law degree and have been keen to experience the daily life of a solicitor and understand how the law is applied in practice. After discussing with Martin Thorpe (solicitor and partner) and Charlotte Cousins (trainee solicitor), I was fortunate to have the opportunity to spend time with the Commercial Property team at Harrowells Solicitors in York.

Day One

I began my experience by reading through previous documents to understand commonly used legal terminology, such as cases which involved the transfer of part of a registered title. I reviewed TR1 forms (used for the transfer of ownership on a property) and TA6 forms (used for residential property sales). Later in the day, I read through earlier case files and learnt about the importance of confidentiality in all legal proceedings. These cases included matters such as covenants, which helped enhance my understanding of legal terms through real-life applications.

Day Two

I continued developing my knowledge by reading additional legal forms. I reviewed K17 forms, which are bankruptcy search certificates issued by the Land Registry and FR1 forms, used for the first registration of land or property. These readings helped me better understand how commercial law impacts individuals on a practical level. In the afternoon, I shadowed trainee solicitor Charlotte, who introduced me to Companies House and taught me how to search for registered companies. She also explained the process of preparing and serving a Section 21 notice, and the current changes in legislation that are replacing it with a Section 8 notice.

Day Three

On my final day, I gained valuable insight into the Litigation and Dispute Resolution department. I worked with solicitor George Sellers, who provided me with documents and research tasks on topics such as the Limitation Act 1980. I also practised drafting a letter to a client regarding a case involving CPR 55 (concerning possession of residential property). This task helped me refine my legal writing skills, ensuring that my tone remained professional yet accessible for clients.

What I have Learnt

Over the course of the three days, I achieved my goal of gaining a better understanding of how commercial law operates in real-life situations. This experience not only broadened my legal knowledge but also gave me insight into how legal professionals communicate with clients in clear terms.

I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to work with Harrowells and for the support and guidance provided by the team, which has significantly contributed to my understanding of a solicitor’s role in practice to which I aspire in the future.