Case study

Ahmad Alattas — Trainee solicitor

Employer
Taylor Wessing

Ahmad studied LLB Global Law at Queen Mary University of London, completing a year abroad in Toronto before embarking on a Master of Laws in Legal Practice (SQE1&2) at the University of Law. He’s now trainee at Taylor Wessing

Why did you decide on a career in law?

As a naturally curious individual, a career in law allows me to delve deep into various sectors, industries and demographics within the global economy and throughout various jurisdictions and societies.

Why did you choose to train with Taylor Wessing?

I chose Taylor Wessing due to the firm's sector focus, variety of highly ranked teams/practice areas, as well as a collegiate culture, which creates an ideal training experience.

Tell us about your training contract. What does it involve?

The training contract at Taylor Wessing involves four seat rotations across different departments, lasting six months each. So far, I have completed two seats, the first being in Contentious Construction and the second being in Private Client.

It is designed to give us a range of experience in a variety of tasks and insight into different practice areas in which we may specialise moving forward.

What kind of tasks do you complete on a typical day?

In my current seat within the Private Client team I perform a range of tasks on a daily basis, which include drafting wills and deeds, performing research into topics like Islamic inheritance law, football contracts and tax law, as well as correspondence with clients and HMRC.

What do you enjoy being a trainee solicitor?

I enjoy being able to encounter a diverse range of clients, each with their own unique issues and cultural nuances that make each piece of advice radically different and at times, force me to be creative in the work that I do.

What are the challenges?

The biggest challenge for me is maintaining a good line of communication with the various stakeholders you work with, especially clients and colleagues, as well as keeping abreast of what is happening throughout all my matters.

How do you strike a healthy work/life balance?

By ensuring that I maintain hobbies outside of work, especially my fitness. Also, taking the time to socialise with others, be it colleagues or friends, outside the confines of the office.

What three qualities are important for a career in law?

  • diligence
  • resilience
  • trustworthiness.

Can you debunk a myth about working as a trainee solicitor?

It’s a myth that law firms are hierarchical. At least at my firm I feel that I have access to all members of the team, especially those who are most senior. They usually have time to answer any questions and give me background into the matters that require my support.

Tell us about an issue that is currently affecting the law sector/your firm.

As a trainee, one issue is balancing the use of AI to help us in our work, versus learning the relevant skills ourselves to ensure that we can properly scrutinise the output produced by AI tools.

What are your career ambitions?

To be a lawyer that is seen as a top advisor in the Middle East, not only for clients who are from the region, but also for clients seeking to invest, do business or migrate to the Middle East.

What advice can you give to other aspiring solicitors?

You owe it to yourself to make the most of the opportunities you get to learn about and work in various practice areas, so that you can make the most informed decision about your career trajectory.

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