Riah Bleasby-Doherty
Riah, thank you for joining us. Please tell us a little bit about yourself.
After finishing my LLB at the University of Huddersfield, I started working as a Legal Assistant and really didn’t enjoy it (I later realised I hated the area of law and not the legal job itself). This made me re-think my career and I decided to try something different before committing time and money to studying the LPC and I started working in the HR department of a law firm. After a few years I decided law was right for me and I began my LPC studies part-time in the evenings whilst working full-time (if you are also doing this, I feel you, stick with it!). I then worked in the public sector before starting my training contract with Devonshires in Leeds. Although my route was a little longer than others (seven years in total), I feel that my previous experiences have helped me be a successful Trainee.
Looking back, what made you apply for a training contract at Devonshires?
As I am proud to be northern and from Leeds, I really wanted to train with a firm that had a strong presence in the north with plans to grow in this area. I was really interested in joining a firm whose growth I could be involved in where I could develop alongside the business and Devonshires ticked all the boxes! It was also clear when applying to Devonshires that they take employee development seriously and they want all their Trainees to have a long and enjoyable career with the firm. There is no hierarchy and this was also attractive to me - you are a person with a voice and if anyone has an idea for the firm they are encouraged to share it.
What advice would you have for somebody looking to start their own Training Contact?
The process can be overwhelming and frustrating. It sounds cliché but don’t compare your journey or background to anyone else. Find things in your experience or background that make you different from all other candidates and use that to stand out during the application process. A good tip I was given which has stuck with me is that no one else should be able to give the same answers as you; your responses should be personal to you. For those starting your training contract, well done! Enjoy every second, ask all the questions you can, learn as much as possible and enjoy it as it really does go as quickly as everyone tells you it does.
How have your interests changed during the course of your training contract?
As my previous experience was all centred around Employment Law and the first seat of my training contract was in the Employment department, I had no doubt that I would be an Employment Solicitor once I qualified. However, as part of the six-month seat rotation process I got to experience other areas of law outside of Employment. My third seat was in the construction litigation team, an area of law I didn’t even know existed prior to joining Devonshires! I found from really early on in the seat that I loved the work and the team. Because of this I ended up spending my fourth seat there too and will shortly be qualifying into the team. The different seats give you the opportunity to try out new areas of law and develop different skillsets - it’s ok if you quickly decide that area is not for you and it’s also ok for your interests to change throughout your training contract. The training contract enables you to find what is right for you!
What is the social life like at Devonshires?
There are a variety of social events across the firm, some are open to the whole firm, others are organised for a particular department and we also have events for Trainees only. The Leeds office has a Social Committee who arranges monthly socials which can vary from drinks and pizza in the board room, to quizzes and bake sales. If there is a department social in London, the Leeds team are also invited to join which gives you the opportunity to socialise with the rest of the team you work with virtually but don’t have the opportunity to see face-to-face as regularly. The Trainees also have dedicated Social Secretaries who arrange socials throughout the year. I am also in the Devonshires Book Club which gives you the chance to meet and chat to others you may not otherwise know. There is no pressure to get involved in every social - you can be as involved as you want to be.
What is your favourite thing about working at Devonshires?
My favourite thing about working at Devonshires is the friendly, open, approachable and supportive culture it has. Everyone, no matter their position, is there to work with you and help you with any questions you have. Trainees work closely with both Solicitors and Partners, and you can learn a lot from everyone. Trainees are regularly asked if there is any particular type of work they want more exposure to or anything they feel they have not yet covered. It is clear whilst working with supervisors that they really want the Trainees to get the most out of their seats.
What’s it like being part of our team based in Leeds?
As the Leeds office is open plan, it feels like a family with all teams mixing and chatting together. The whole office is very friendly and approachable, whether they are in your team or not. I am also proud that our Leeds office has continued to grow since I joined in March 2023, so much so that we have outgrown our office and are moving into a brand-new office with a lot more space to accommodate our ever-expanding headcount. Devonshires are also keen to continue the growth of the Leeds office to better serve our Northern client base.
Can you tell us about your most memorable moment of your Training Contract?
One of the most memorable moments was during my first seat in Employment. I was trusted to run my own Employment Tribunal matter from start to finish. This was a huge responsibility to take on so early in my training contract, but I was supported the whole way through and the team had confidence in my ability. We successfully won the case and I was so grateful for the support and the opportunity which helped to build my confidence.
Besides the legal work, what other activities, projects and/or events have you been involved in?
I am a member of the CSR committee and help to arrange fundraisers for our chosen charities. In Leeds, our main charity is St George’s Crypt. Last year me and a few colleagues took part in the Leeds Big Sleep where we camped out at Headingley Stadium overnight with our thermals and sleeping bags to raise money and awareness of the work they provide to the homeless. I have also attended conferences and client drinks, and construction lunches to network with others in the industry. I have also been involved in assisting with business development for the construction team in the Leeds office to widen our northern client base.
Can you tell us something interesting about working at Devonshires that you think others might not already know?
Devonshires really values their employees and their opinions. As I have mentioned, the Leeds team has outgrown the current office and as such we are moving into a new one shortly. We have been involved in this process from the beginning, with everyone being asked what they would like to see in the new office, what they would change, and things they wouldn’t want to continue with. Devonshires is really committed to making the working environment the best it can be for the employees.
Can you please give us some insight on being a Trainee Social Sec?
The Trainees decided it would be a good idea to have two social secretaries, one in London and one in Leeds and it has worked really well! The two of us have researched, planned and organised quarterly socials for all the trainees for the past two years, and having us across two offices really ensures that everyone in the cohort is included. I have found it really important and beneficial to make sure that the Trainees meet up and socialise as we are all going through the same process and have each other to lean on for support. As the majority of Trainees are in London, the socials are usually held there with Leeds trainees making the trip down and staying overnight.
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