Build your career with Ogier

When you join Ogier, you are not just taking a job - you are building a career. From day one we are committed to your professional development, helping you to identify where you want to go and how you want to get there. In this article trainee solicitor Matthew Davies and local legal services paralegal Emily Holland give you insights into their careers at Ogier and the advice they would give to people leaving school or considering a career change.

Tell us about your educational background and how you got into your current role

Matthew: At school I was very interested in analytical subjects. I was drawn to law as not only does it draw on those analytical skills but I also like a good argument! I studied law at the University of Kent, and then completed my BPTC after my degree. I initially worked as a paralegal at another offshore law firm and then joined Ogier and gained my LPC.

Emily: I wasn't sure what I wanted to do when I left school, so I worked in telesales for a while. I knew I didn't want to do it forever, so applied for a legal secretary position at another law firm in Jersey and it was in this position that I built up my knowledge and experience in local legal services, which I use in my current role at Ogier.

What advice would you give to a school leaver or someone considering a career change?

Emily: If you're just leaving school, the pressure of university doesn't need to be there. There's always an option to take a degree at a later date or take the CILEx route, where you can gain your legal qualifications without going to university. Don't rule yourself out from a paralegal role because you think you don't have the right sort of background. There are lots of skills involved in being effective in this role and you don't need a perfect sweep of A Levels to have these skills.

Matthew: If you do want to go to university, choose a subject you really want to study – it doesn't have to be law. Get some experience at a law firm, go to court, get a flavour of the type of work you might want to do in the future. It's important to remember that there isn't just one way into law - at Ogier we have people who have started a second career with us, one trainee used to be a musician in London's West End for example!

What do you find most positive or surprising about working at Ogier?

Matthew: In terms of technology and innovation Ogier is miles ahead. I like that senior management want to explore new ways of doing things and they are approachable – regardless of your level your ideas are valued and partners will engage with them.

Emily: I agree on the technology point, our approach saves our clients time and us time. We are definitely non-hierarchical – partners are always coming out of their offices to chat with the team. Yes we work hard but we can also have a laugh.

About Ogier

Ogier is a professional services firm with the knowledge and expertise to handle the most demanding and complex transactions and provide expert, efficient and cost-effective services to all our clients. We regularly win awards for the quality of our client service, our work and our people.

Disclaimer

This client briefing has been prepared for clients and professional associates of Ogier. The information and expressions of opinion which it contains are not intended to be a comprehensive study or to provide legal advice and should not be treated as a substitute for specific advice concerning individual situations.

Regulatory information can be found under Legal Notice