Holly Mason
Holly, thank you for joining us. Please tell us a little bit about yourself.
I graduated from the University West of England in 2019 with a LLB in Law and subsequently completed the accelerated Legal Practice Course at the University of Law. I am very close with my family and grew up in a hamlet in West Sussex with my parents and two brothers, but I currently live in Southwest London with my boyfriend. I have always had a passion for fitness, having done ballet since the young age of 2 and completing my Grade 8 exam with a Distinction. Over the years this passion has transferred into the gym, having completed a half marathon whilst at university and a mixed doubles Hyrox competition in Stockholm with my boyfriend more recently. I love to travel and am always chasing the sunshine and looking to plan the next trip; although having recently been to South Africa I anticipate the next is going to be quite tough to beat!
Looking back, what made you apply for a training contract at Devonshires?
In 2020 I joined the Development Sales team in Devonshires’ Real Estate & Projects department as a Paralegal. As a young professional, I have always felt supported by the firm and encouraged in my development towards an established legal career. Over the years I have formed relationships with colleagues which has helped develop my confidence to approach people, no matter their position. Having this experience made me feel confident that Devonshires was the right place to complete my training as I knew that my co-workers and future seat supervisors would make me feel welcome and at ease. Working with knowledgeable and approachable people is important to me and I was keen to train somewhere with these values.
What advice would you have for somebody looking to start their own Training Contact?
The process of applying for a Training Contract can be very daunting at the outset, particularly because of the competition and numerous stages ahead of you. Please don’t let this deter you! Firstly, see the process as your opportunity to show the firm your potential and capability as an aspiring lawyer. Showing that you have the skills and willingness to develop your understanding, alongside a ‘can do’ attitude will get you far. Devonshires is a friendly and welcoming firm, so when it comes to the interview stage, be yourself - they are not looking to trip you up. But most importantly, enjoy the process!
At Devonshires, each Trainee has a mentor and a buddy, could you tell us more about your experience with this and how it has helped you?
I have felt having a buddy and mentor has been particularly useful when it came to choosing my next seat in the rotation. My buddy has provided helpful insight into their experiences in different departments, including which Partners deal with the specific areas of law that suit my interests. My mentor has also made themselves readily available to assist me if I have any questions or need a different perspective. We have caught up for a coffee every seat rotation so far to discuss my thoughts on each seat, which will be valuable when I come to deciding where I would like to qualify.
What is the social life like at Devonshires?
Devonshires has a great environment to work in as a young professional. The firm holds the occasional pizza night which provides the opportunity to mix with other departments and people you might not necessarily see on a day-to-day basis. As a Paralegal with the aspiration of becoming a Trainee, I found these events were beneficial to form relationships with other colleagues and explore which departments I may be interested in experiencing as a Trainee in the future. Each department also holds an annual Christmas party which is a great opportunity to take off our legal hats for the night and enjoy the company of colleagues.
What is your favourite thing about working at Devonshires?
Devonshires feels very homely. The idea of working in a law firm may initially appear intimidating when you first leave university, but I have always felt relaxed and part of a team whilst working here. Assistance is always nearby if you need it, training is easily accessible, and the support is unconditional.
Can you tell us about your most memorable moment of your Training Contract?
As I approach my third seat, I am amazed at how fast it is going. My most memorable moment would have to be when I found out that I was successful and had obtained a training contract. I remember coming out of university alongside hundreds and thousands of other law students feeling that securing a Training Contract was daunting and seemingly unattainable. So when I reached that moment and found out that I was successful, I was really proud of myself. It was a really memorable moment.
Can you tell us something interesting about working at Devonshires that you think others might not already know?
The retention of staff members at Devonshires continues to impress me. Throughout my time at the firm I’ve seen many Trainees retained as NQ Solicitors following the completion of their Training Contract. I’ve also seen colleagues be promoted and be afforded new opportunities. To know that many of the Partners I work with were once Trainees and have progressed their legal career in the same way I am provides confidence to both me and others that achieving a position as a Partner is within reach and inspires me to follow in their footsteps.
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