Sarah Jardine, Associate Solicitor in the Rowlinsons residential property team tells us more about her life at the firm.
Tell us about your background?
Originally from Northern Ireland, I’ve worked my way round the UK and after studying in Dundee and then Newcastle upon Tyne, I spent some time in Oxford before moving up to Liverpool to be closer to family about 12 years ago.
What does your role at Rowlinsons involve?
I deal primarily with residential sales and purchases as well as other transaction types such as re-mortgages and transfers. As a more experienced member of the team, I’m also on hand to help colleagues with any queries they may have on their matters.
What aspects of your training contract did you enjoy the most, and which did you find the most challenging?
Well that feels like a lifetime ago! Most enjoyable? Primarily, it was great to be able to have conduct of my own matters. Also, the firm I trained with had its own estate agency and operated from a number of different offices where we had in-house mortgage advisors, meaning I could see how the conveyancing process worked across a number of different sectors. Most challenging? A training contract requires you to work across many different practice areas of law, both contentious and non-contentious, which frequently takes you well outside your comfort zone.
What advice would you give to someone starting their Legal Career?
Get some experience – I know it can be tricky, but I was lucky enough to spend a week with a firm in Northern Ireland during my A-Levels. There’s no substitute for seeing how high-street practice works on a day-to-day basis and what clients are really looking for from their solicitor.
Tell us one highlight of your career that has made you proud?
When my first assistant went on to train with Rowlinsons and qualified as a Solicitor. Since then I’ve worked with a number of highly talented younger colleagues who have gone on to become legal professionals, and it’s great to see every single time.
How would you describe Rowlinsons as an employer, and what makes us unique?
I have spent the larger part of my career at Rowlinsons, and there’s a reason for that; it retains all the friendliness and collegiality of a small-town firm, but with the buzz and dynamism that comes from our status as a national leader in the property sector.