Buying or selling a home is one of life’s most significant and personal decisions, and while this is an incredibly exciting experience, it is natural to feel anxious about the process involved.
At Bridge McFarland LLP, our Residential Conveyancing team are committed to guiding clients throughout the whole transaction, making the process as stress-fee as possible.
To give a closer look at the people behind this support, in our latest department spotlight, we shine a light on Daisy Jones, a Residential Conveyancing Trainee, who shares her journey into law and the skills she is developing to help clients navigate the conveyancing process.
Career Journey and Motivation:
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What course did you complete before joining Bridge McFarland LLP?
I studied Law at the University of Lincoln, where I obtained an Upper Second-Class honours. I’ve always been a homebody so loved that the University was close to home. I was a member of the Law Society which enabled me to create local connections within the industry. As well as this, Lincoln University’s Professional Mentor Scheme provided me with the opportunity to work with a professional from a Lincoln-based firm, gaining an insight into legal practice and the skills required for this. A lot of my lecturers also have previous experience of being employed by local firms, so their insight was valuable alongside the educational side of the course.
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What first sparked your interest in law, and what drew you to residential conveyancing in particular?
I had left my previous career within Local Authority to pursue my legal career. I was put off for a while by the fact law seemed inaccessible, both financially and in terms of area, being under the impression that I would have to pack up and leave for London and somehow finance my way through qualification.
I had my interview with Bridge McFarland in July 2024, after which I knew instantly that the firm was for me, before even starting my placement. I had my heart set on the firm from the day of the interview (I even took the risk of handing in my notice at my previous job once I knew I had secured the placement – I was that keen!). The placement only strengthened my already keen attitude. I was welcomed by the whole office and made to feel valuable and useful even as an intern, which is often a rarity. After completing my placement, I was offered a role as Legal Assistant at the firm.
This was during a concerning time regarding the Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship funding, where the government were in discussions regarding scrapping this. This uncertain time meant the firm was unable to promise a place as Trainee Solicitor, but they did what they could to support me through this confusing time. Once further clarification was provided from the training provider as to the funding queries, I was offered a role as Trainee Solicitor at the firm to begin in January; just two days before starting my new role as Legal Assistant. I remember so vividly being concerned that HR were calling me two days before my starting date and then phoning my family in tears to let them know I had gained the role I was so eager for. Beginning as a Legal Assistant allowed me to ease myself into the role and gain the key skills required before starting my studies in January.
Residential Conveyancing Experience:
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What does a typical day look like for you in the residential conveyancing team?
No two days are the same with conveyancing. You could be on the phone every hour talking with clients, dealing with a file and reporting to the clients, which can take hours of drafting, or have a day full of completions.
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How do you support clients through what can be a stressful process like buying or selling a home?
I often find clients have minimal knowledge as to the actual conveyancing process, and they therefore find it quite daunting. I think supporting them with frequent phone call updates and ensuring they actually understand the work we are conducting on the file and why it is necessary, ensures they appreciate the work we carry out, and the process and timeframes involved.
Firm Culture & Support:
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How would you describe the firm culture at Bridge McFarland LLP, in and outside of your department?
The firm’s culture is what motivated me to want to work for the firm so much. It really does feel like a family (cliché, I know!), but from the staff parties, playing rounders together or just creating friendships, I have never worked for an organisation which fosters community and belonging quite like Bridge McFarland. I have colleagues I meet for coffee to catch up with, trainees I often study with, and senior colleagues who I know I can call for a catch up or for guidance at any time of the working day.
Growth & Future Goals:
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What skills have you developed most during your time here?
Through the firm’s own SQE3 course, delivered by Rob Price, a non-practising solicitor and experienced trainer through his company ‘Bolder Solutions’, I have hugely developed my communication and time management skills. Rob’s training sessions not only encourage you to reflect on your strengths and weaknesses and place these into practice but also encourage conversation and shared experiences amongst the trainees ensuring we develop and foster a range of skills and practices which we may not have considered otherwise.
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Do you have any advice for future trainees considering a career in law or conveyancing?
My advice to any future trainee considering a career in law, whether it be at Bridge McFarland or elsewhere, is to ensure the firm aligns with your values and aspirations. Your time as a trainee will be both mentally and academically challenging, so having the correct firm to support and guide you through your training and studies is paramount to your success.
Personal Touch:
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If you could describe your experience here in three words, what would they be?
Challenging, inspiring and uniting.
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What’s one thing people might not know about being a trainee solicitor?
You won’t be re-taught your core modules from university for the underlying law modules of the SQE on your course, so listen at university, and don’t delete those notes after!
A Bit of Fun:
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If you weren’t training to be a solicitor, what career would you be pursuing?
When I was younger, I always wanted to be on stage. I wanted to attend Italia Conti and perform, before I reached my teen years when this become ‘scary’ and ‘embarrassing’. I still often attend the theatre, and I did continue to dance until the age of 18.
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What was your favourite subject at school, and does it still influence you today?
My favourite subject in school was English Literature. It was the only subject I constantly achieved As with little to no effort; it seemed to come naturally to me. I used to love digesting texts to understand the author’s underlying meaning and their purpose. This still influences me today, having to often digest and understand old title deeds and conveyances – although mainly due to the lack of punctuation rather than there being an underlying meaning!
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Can you share a fun fact about yourself that might surprise your colleagues?
I have a TikTok with 2.2 million views, so perhaps being an influencer would have been a great alternative career (though I’m embarrassed to say it…).
Daisy’s story is a testament to the supportive and progressive environment at Bridge McFarland LLP. After completing her training seat within our Residential Conveyancing team, she has now taken the next step in her career by joining our Family Law team. Her journey reflects the many opportunities available within the firm for those who are eager to learn, develop and grow their careers in law.
Read more about our Conveyancing Services
Our highly experienced property lawyers are based in Anlaby, Brigg, Grimsby, Hull, Lincoln, Louth and Market Rasen, helping clients across Lincolnshire and the country with all their residential property sale and purchase needs. We can provide expert advice and guidance on all property sale and purchase matters, including: