Alex S.
About me
| Alex S. | |
| English and Related Literature | |
| English and Related Literature | |
| Undergraduate | |
| James | |
| 2012 | |
| United Kingdom |
My employment
| Solicitor | |
| Schillings | |
| United Kingdom | |
| Legal services | |
| 2019 |
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A day in the life of a Solicitor in the United Kingdom
Choose something you feel genuinely interested in, rather than what you feel you 'should' be doing.
Briefly describe the organisation you work for
Schillings are a leading media and entertainment law firm, who specialise in privacy, reputation and crisis response.
What do you do?
I work in media and entertainment law. My work covers: defamation; privacy; pre- and post-publication advice; media intrusion; crisis response; misuse of private information; harassment; blackmail; data breaches; and intellectual property rights, on behalf of various high profile and high-net worth individuals and companies.
Reflecting upon your past employment and education, what led you to your current career choice?
After graduating from York I worked for a start-up recruitment firm in London for two years. I then completed a masters degree, also in English, and during this time decided I wanted to practice law. I did a vacation scheme at a US law firm in the City where I went on to complete a training contract. This involved two years at BPP law school in London and two years of on-the-job training. After qualifying in 2019, I wanted to move into an environment where I could capitalise on my passion for people, writing and problem solving, and so I joined Schillings to practice media and entertainment law.
Is your current job sector different from what you thought you would enter when you graduated?
Yes. I was unsure what I wanted to do when I graduated. It took time for me to work out what I wanted out out of my career.
Describe your most memorable day at work
Attending the first day of a libel trial on behalf a high profile individual.
Are there any challenges associated with your job?
As a large proportion of Schillings' work is crisis response, I am often confronted with highly challenging situations that must be responded to within very short time frames and under considerable pressure.
What extracurricular activities did you undertake at university and what transferable skills did you develop through these?
I studied abroad in my second year at the University of California Santa Barbara, where I made friends from all over the world, travelled extensively and undertook work experience placements in Santa Barbara and New York.
What top tips do you have for York students preparing for today’s job market and life after graduation?
Be persistent. Take every opportunity to gather experience in your chosen field. Choose something you feel genuinely interested in, rather than what you feel you 'should' be doing. Stay positive and enthusiastic.
Next steps...
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