Summer Internship Experience: Isabelle Gall

Over my summer holiday break of summer 2022 I completed a 6 week paid internship at the Head Office of MLP Law Altrincham. Originally I had applied and had an interview for a two week internship but was thrilled when given the opportunity to participate in the 6 week one. I am currently in my Second year at Priestley College, Warrington studying Law, Criminology and Business.

I feel that the internship has given me an invaluable experience, gaining skills and knowledge I otherwise wouldn’t have. Working in a law firm alongside Solicitors and other legal personnel in their day to day duties has really confirmed to me that this is the career I want to pursue. Right from the start everyone was extremely helpful and patient with me making me feel very welcomed and at ease. Throughout the internship, I have worked in the different departments of the firm gaining experience in the Wills, Trusts and Probate department, Employment, and Corporate and Commercial. While working in each of the departments I got a great insight into some of the different areas of law and the matters that are dealt with. Throughout my 6 weeks at MLP I completed a range of tasks which will all help further my knowledge and build my law career.

Initially I started with an array of compulsory training which consisted of UK GDPR for Law Firms, SRA (Solicitors Regulation Authority) Codes of Conduct, Equality and Diversity, and Anti – money laundering training. After this was completed, I started to get stuck into the job in practice. I completed legal research, Bankruptcy checks, Drafted Correspondences, Scanning and Filing of documents, and attended client meetings. This was very interesting to see the process of cases from start to finish (however, some are a longer process!). Attending client meetings was also very valuable to me as I could see and participate in the interaction between the lawyers and their clients – building a relationship to then advise and resolve matters.

A key project I became involved in was the update and changes to the Trust register which affected the Wills, Trusts and Probate department. I worked with the team to inform and advise clients (both existing and former) of the changes. This was an important task, as it enabled me to work on a deadline ensuring compliance with HMRC’s protocol.

Some of the transferable skills I will take away with me are how to draft professional emails and letters to clients, address people on the phone and compose/communicate with clients. These skills are important especially when making a first impression as they allow me to conduct myself in a professional manner in an office environment with colleagues and clients.