Emma joined SCE Solicitors in December 2017 as a Paralegal and began her Training Contract with the firm in September 2018. She is due to qualify as a Solicitor in March 2020. She kindly took some time out of her busy schedule to talk to us about her role at SCE and for us to find out about her life in law.

Tell us about your current role and how you got there? 

I am a Trainee Solicitor at SCE Solicitors, a boutique law firm specialising in employment law and commercial litigation. We are a small team of highly experienced lawyers and our business model enables us to provide cost-effective, bespoke advice to both individuals and businesses.

On a daily basis I advise both employers and employees from a broad range of sections on contentious and non-contentious employment law issues. This involves advising on disciplinaries, grievances, redundancies, termination of employment and settlement agreements, as well as advising on and responding to tribunal claims.

I also assist in the running of the firm’s myHR service where I support businesses in the day-to-day management of their staff. 

I studied Law at the Open University before undertaking the Legal Practice Course and Master of Laws at the University of Law in Leeds. Whilst studying I worked at a law firm in Leeds as a Litigation Assistant before moving to SCE in December 2017. 

When did you first become interested in law? 

Like many lawyers, I was an argumentative child, so I was probably always destined for a legal career! 

What do you love about your role? What are the challenges? 

I get a lot of job satisfaction from a client coming to me with a problem, and then being able to sort it out for them. It usually takes quite a lot of time to draft contractual documents in the way the client wants, and getting it right is very rewarding. 

Challenges: the thing I think most lawyers struggle with – switching off. 

What do your mornings look like? 

Mornings differ quite a bit depending on weekdays or weekends. During the week I get up around 6:30am, make a VERY large coffee and then catch up on either an episode of ‘Mock The Week’ or ‘Would I Lie To You?’ whilst I get ready.

How do you achieve a work-life balance? 

It’s a work in progress. I tend to work hard during the week so that I can try and have some downtime on Saturdays and Sundays. It doesn’t always happen, but I feel it’s important to have my attention focused on my friends and family during the weekend and reset for Monday morning. 

Name 3 things you can’t live without in a day. 

Yorkshire Tea, Podcasts and Dairy Milk. Not very rock and roll! 

Do you read for leisure? 

I am a massive fan of the Audible App, and I love listening to all the books I don’t have time to read whilst I’m travelling. I have just finished Gail Honeyman’s Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine, which is beautifully written. I currently have my eye on Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton. 

Where is your favourite holiday destination?  

Italy – I can’t resist the food… 

What food cannot you live without? 

Cheese!

My ideal weekend involves…

A Friday night chilling in front of the TV with a large G&T in hand (we’ve been watching old Happy Valley episodes recently). Saturday…a lie in! Followed by a lazy brunch and then a walk around Bolton Abbey. Catching up with friends and family for a full roast and a good red wine at home on Sunday. 

Thank you so much Emma! 

If you need any help and advice in relation to Employment and HR Law please do not hesitate to contact Emma or the team on 01133 50 40 30 or at emma.roberts @scesolicitors.co.uk. 

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