Hello! My name is Mea and I am a student at Bournemouth University who is currently concluding a placement year as a legal assistant at Moore Barlow. I have spent the past 14 months working with the Real Estate Disputes Team, learning from leading experts and developing a deeper understanding of Property Law.
Expectations
My time at Moore Barlow far exceeded my expectations. Whilst I anticipated gaining some administrative experience in a legal environment for my CV, my placement year has been a transformative experience that has developed not only my office familiarity but also my legal, personal, and professional skills as well.
First iImpressions: Back to the beginning
Reflecting on my first week at Moore Barlow, I remember feeling incredibly nervous. I had no prior experience in a professional environment as formal as a law firm, especially one of this size. I was fortunate to have a two-month overlap with the placement students who were finishing their year. Their training was invaluable, giving me a real-life insight into the role. Being able to ask them questions and learn from their recent experiences helped me settle into the position right away. The rest of the team were equally supportive and made me feel included from the offset.
Taking on responsibility
My responsibilities at Moore Barlow have grown throughout my placement. The team actively encourages me to take on new tasks, allowing me to move beyond administrative duties and engage directly with clients. I’m regularly trusted to draft key documents and correspondence, a testament to the firm’s commitment to my professional development. It’s clear that personal progression is a priority here and every solicitor on the Real Estate Disputes team has played a role in helping me learn and get involved, truly embodying the firm’s identity as a “Career Firm.
More than a workplace
Beyond professional growth, the culture at Moore Barlow was a standout part of my placement. The firm’s commitment to building strong relationships is clear, making it easy to connect with people from different teams. I had the chance to attend several networking events with colleagues, my personal favourites being a Netball Tournament and a local quiz. I also really enjoyed organizing a staff rounders match for my division, working with another colleague to create a fun social event. This experience has really taught me the value of strong internal relationships, which Moore Barlow makes effortless to build.
Looking ahead
In July, I was thrilled to be offered a training contract after successfully completing one of Moore Barlow’s assessment days. I’ll now be returning to university for my final year, followed by my SQE studies, before rejoining the firm in 2027 to officially start my legal career.
My advice for future placement students
Overall, I would highly recommend doing a placement year at Moore Barlow to any law student. The experience is invaluable, especially when you fully embrace the opportunity and take the initiative to get involved.
Keep in touch with Mea Addis on LinkedIn.
