Hello, my name is Jimmy Luxford-Collins.
I am a final-year law student at Solent University Southampton, currently undertaking work experience at Heppenstalls Solicitors. I have been placed in the conveyancing office, where I am assisting with archiving and processing client letters for dispatch.
I was drawn to Heppenstalls for my placement because of their deep-rooted history in the local community and their strong client relationships, which span generations. This initially captured my interest, and I decided to pursue a placement there by networking with the team – particularly Jesamine Somerville and Tracey Dobson – who were both incredibly welcoming and helpful. This is my first experience working in a legal setting, and Heppenstalls have been the perfect introduction to the profession.
My first impressions of the firm and the team exceeded my expectations. Everyone has been incredibly friendly and approachable. On my first day, I was shown the filing rooms, and I was immediately fascinated by the sheer volume of information stored within them and the varying degrees of importance of the documents—ranging from clients’ Wills, Trusts, and Lasting Powers of Attorney to Deeds and Titles. The team understood that there was a lot I did not initially know, but at no point did I feel out of place or like a hindrance. I am extremely grateful for their kindness and the supportive atmosphere within the firm.
The team I am working with, Anastasia Davenport and Sarah Lines, helped me settle in quickly. During my first few days, I was introduced to the various systems I would be using and taught how to navigate them. In addition to learning about conveyancing as a whole, I was also introduced to its intricacies, including the typical timeline of a property sale or purchase and the roles of solicitors, agents, and buyers/sellers in the process.
One unexpected but exciting aspect of working in a long-established law firm has been handling historic documents. On my first day, I was tasked with identifying various deeds and using HM Land Registry to determine whether they were still relevant or had become redundant. In doing so, I came across a family tree dating back to the late 1700s, which I found particularly fascinating. I took the time to study it to understand its connection to the related deed.
A typical day as a placement student at Heppenstalls involves retrieving boxes of files for archiving, marking them with the correct indicators, and updating the relevant systems accordingly. Throughout the day, I may be asked to assist with other tasks, such as drafting client letters and notifying clients about documents in Heppenstalls’ possession that they may wish to collect. When drafting letters and reviewing files, I sometimes come across information I am unsure about. In such cases, I refer to previous drafts for guidance, and if I still need clarification, I ask the team for assistance. They are always happy to explain the relevance of what I have come across and its importance in the legal process.
The working environment at Heppenstalls Solicitors is a fantastic one to be part of. It is calm and relaxed, with everyone working at their own pace while still accomplishing an impressive amount of work. The different departments within Heppenstalls are in constant communication with each other, whether via Microsoft Teams or in person. For example, in carrying out my duties, I may need to liaise with the finance team—either by email for non-urgent matters or by speaking with them in person if something requires immediate attention.
The firm actively supports development and continuous learning. During my time here, I have received guidance on the different routes I can take to pursue a legal career and how Heppenstalls can support me in choosing the area of law that may interest me in the future. The team is always open to questions, whether they relate to my current tasks or my broader career aspirations.
My advice for making the most of a placement at Heppenstalls Solicitors is, firstly, to never hesitate to ask questions. The team is knowledgeable and eager to help, and their insights are invaluable. Secondly, be open about your level of experience—whether you have a background in law or are completely new to it. As long as you have a willingness to learn, you will undoubtedly gain valuable knowledge during your time here.