Having completed my penultimate year of law at the University of Oxford I was eager to apply my academic knowledge to a practical environment. Although I had studied Equity and Trusts, I had limited understanding of what private client work truly involved.
During my time with the team, I became proficient in using LEAP for case management and I have a deeper understanding of the importance of due diligence in navigating highly bureaucratic matters. Alongside this, I gained valuable experience drafting client letters and preparing legal documents to progress cases. Crucially, I was able to conduct this work whilst learning from all the members of the team who always had the time to explain why and what specifically I was doing as opposed to mere instructions. A huge thank you goes out to Jess and Elizabeth in particular for having the patience to answer all my questions.
The most rewarding aspect of the placement, however, was the client-facing work. I had the opportunity to respond directly to clients’ needs and witness the tangible impact of supporting individuals who are navigating emotionally challenging and often lengthy processes.
What stood out to me most about Circe was its strong sense of family environment. The firm fosters a genuinely supportive and collaborative environment – it is clear that everyone cares deeply not only about the quality of their work, but also about one another. I have found it empowering to work alongside such powerful women who have built a business from the ground up. The proof is in all the little things, ranging from ensuring lunch breaks occur away from the desk to a stacked coffee bar to appreciating differing communication styles. Circe has set the bar for workplace culture.
Although my time at Circe only lasted two weeks, the insights I gained have been invaluable. I will now return to my final year of university with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of the meaningful role that private client work plays in real lives. Thank you again to the entire team at Circe for making my experience so rewarding!
