Luke Amarn explains why he chose to train as a solicitor with Furley Page

Why did you choose Furley Page to pursue your training?

I was fortunate to take part in Furley Page’s summer work placement scheme, which made me fall in love with the firm’s culture and identity. It was clear that Furley Page offers a supportive environment that fosters growth and take pride in the achievements of previous trainees who have progressed within the firm. I also understood Furley Page’s reputation as a leading regional law firm in Kent, and their commitment to showing support within the community.

What has been your over-riding impression so far of the training programme at Furley Page?

My first seat was with the private client team, where I was exposed to a variety of work and attended meetings with clients. My most memorable work so far has been creating detailed tax schedules to investigate and identify tax liabilities. This was a great experience, as I was able to see how matters progressed and communicated with different institutions.

What has been your most memorable work related experience during you training programme?

When starting my training contract, I was unsure of what to expect but I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience thus far. The training programme at Furley Page has been brilliant at giving trainees genuine responsibility for a wide range of tasks and providing the appropriate level of supervision to ensure that you are continuously learning and improving. As a trainee, I have found that I am often actively involved in matters and provide valuable support, which does not go unnoticed by colleagues.

What skills do you think are essential to be a successful lawyer?

I believe the essential skills are:

1. Attention to detail – it is important to check for errors and to ensure that you have addressed any issues present.
2. Effective communication – when interacting with clients, it is imperative that they understand what you are saying and feel confident in your ability.
3. Time management – when there are deadlines, it is important to allow yourself enough time to complete all necessary tasks.
4. Problem solving – when dealing with complex issues, you will be expected to find a viable solution.

Exercising these skills will ensure that you are in the best possible position when working as a solicitor.

What advice would you give anyone looking to train as a solicitor?

I would advise to prioritise finding legal work experience or roles that will provide you with transferable skills that are directly applicable to the role of a trainee solicitor. I also believe that it is important to view it as a marathon not a sprint and to not put too much pressure on yourself.

Find out more about becoming a trainee solicitor with Furley Page >>