Careers Angel Profile: Claire Deacon
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| Name | Claire Deacon |
|---|---|
| Email Address | cbowler@blg.co.uk |
| Industries/Sectors | Legal |
| Employer | Barlow Lyde & Gilbert |
| Position | Solicitor |
| Experience | 25-30 years (approx.) |
| Degree | Law (graduated in 1997) |
| Other Qualifications | Legal Practice Course - College of Law |
| Internships | |
| Information | Whilst I am currently working for Barlow Lyde & Gilbert, I completed my training contract with Beachcroft Wansbroughs (London office) and worked for them as a qualified solicitor for 2 years before moving to BLG. My husband currently works at Beachcroft Wansbroughs and therefore I have a good working knowledge of both firms, and can deal with questions on either firm. |
| Things I Wish I'd Known | I wish I had known how important it is to pick a firm where you will gain real hands-on experience in your training contract, as it stands you so well when you qualify and progress with your career. Also, it is so important to pick a firm which has departments/areas of law which interest you as it is difficult (although not impossible) to qualify in an area where you have not had experience as a trainee. I also wish I had known that if you are moving to London to work, and have never lived in or around London before, it is so much better to pick a good area rather than a nice flat - so much more so than other cities as you will have to commute back home there when you have had a night out. When I first came down to London, I lived in a bit of a dodgy area and my social life was so curtailed as I had to always travel back late at night and, as a woman, I felt very unsafe. In London, area is everything and it is worth speaking to people who live here who can point you in the right direction. If you are coming down to live in London on your own, then contact the big city firms, or the firm you are going to work for, as often people at these firms advertise rooms to rent on the firm's Intranet sites. It is so much better to share with another young reputable professional than try and get a place of your own or share with someone who is a totally unknown entity. |