Maisie's Diary.

The Diary of a Trainee Solicitor: The Beginning of My Legal Journey!

As I reflect on my first six weeks in the legal world, it feels like I’m balancing on the edge of exhilaration and a healthy dose of “what have I gotten myself into?”

Growing up with a mother who’s a passionate solicitor, I saw firsthand the immense dedication and perseverance required for this career, as well as the many ways it can be incredibly rewarding. Her fervour for the law - especially in the realm of family matters - was so contagious that it made a career in law an almost irresistible option. Meanwhile, whilst my two sisters veer off into vocational careers, I was always the academic type, destined to trade in textbooks for legal briefs.

Not only did I witness my mother’s remarkable legal journey, but I also experienced firsthand the complexities of family law through my own parents' divorce. The profound impact of their separation on my life has significantly shaped my desire to pursue a career in law, with a particular focus on family law. The challenges and transformations I endured have deeply influenced my commitment to helping others navigate similar situations, reinforcing my resolve to make a meaningful impact in this field.

Graduating from Exeter University in July with a degree in Sociology and Criminology gave me a solid understanding of human behaviour and societal structures. But stepping into the world of law has been a bit like diving into new, uncharted waters - exciting, challenging, and occasionally overwhelming. As a non-law graduate, I was concerned about how I would handle this transition, but I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how much I’m learning and growing.

I’m thrilled to have joined Rundlewalker, a firm that’s already proven to be a fantastic place to grow. I feel incredibly lucky to have landed this role so soon after finishing my degree, especially in a firm where the lawyers are not only exceptionally skilled and dedicated but also seem to have mastered the elusive art of work-life balance. This balance is often the stuff of legend when discussing legal careers and seeing it in action here is both inspiring and reassuring.

In these early days, I’ve learned that being a trainee solicitor involves much more than just legal knowledge. It’s about adapting to the fast-paced environment of a law firm, understanding the intricacies of a client's individual needs, and finding my place within a profession that demands both precision and empathy.

One of the most intriguing challenges is grappling with the legal language. Words that seem straightforward in everyday English take on entirely different meanings in the legal world. Navigating this complex vocabulary has been an eye-opener and highlights just one of the hurdles on this journey.

One of the highlights so far has been my debut in court as a trainee solicitor. It was like jumping into the deep end of the legal pool, and I loved every minute of it! The experience was thrilling and enlightening, offering a real taste of courtroom dynamics and the adrenaline of legal practice. This exciting foray into court has only fuelled my passion for the field and confirmed that I’m on the right path. Every new experience, including this memorable courtroom adventure, adds to my enthusiasm and drives me to embrace each challenge with gusto.

I’ve come to appreciate that law isn’t merely about wielding a legal dictionary; it’s about becoming a skilled communicator who can interpret both the letter of the law and the nuances of human emotion. The job involves thriving in an environment where the stakes are high, deadlines are relentless, and coffee becomes your best friend. I’ve also learned the importance of flexibility and adaptability - whether it’s pivoting quickly in response to new information or balancing multiple tasks simultaneously.

Amidst all these challenges, I’m discovering the profound satisfaction of making a tangible difference in people’s lives. This sense of purpose makes every hurdle worth the leap, and it keeps me motivated as I navigate this exciting and demanding path.

I have now begun studying for the Solicitors Qualifying Exam, which I hope will pave the way to qualifying as a solicitor by the summer of 2026. Balancing work and study is a challenge that both excites and intimidates me, but I’m eager to embark on this journey. My mother often reassures me that all the effort will be worth it in the end, and I believe many lawyers would agree that despite its relentless demands, a career in law is ultimately profoundly rewarding.

Over the coming weeks and months, I hope to share my experiences - the highs and lows, the lessons learned, and the challenges faced. This diary serves not only as a chronicle of my journey but also as a reflection on the transition from a non-law graduate to a trainee solicitor, and eventually, to a fully qualified solicitor. As I continue to grow in this role, I aim to provide insights that might resonate with others who are starting their own legal careers or contemplating this path.
Maisie Rodford. X.

Maisie has recently joined the firm as a Trainee Solicitor after graduating in July 2024 from Exeter University where she studied Sociology & Criminology. She will undertake her Solicitors Qualifying Exams in July 2025 and January 2026 with the intention of becoming a fully qualified solicitor in the summer of 2026. Maisie has now embarked on her SQE studies and is eager to pursue a career specialising in Family Law once qualified.
 
Outside of the office, Maisie enjoys walking, reading, and eating out!