Growing your career as a Family Law Solicitor at Co-op Legal Services

Discover how Niamh has grown her career as a Family Law Solicitor at Co-op Legal Services, from finding a supportive culture to progressing into management and taking more complex cases.

What were you looking for in a new role that you felt you didn’t have previously?

I was definitely looking for a supportive culture! I loved working with my colleagues at previous firms, but I wanted to find a role where an open, approachable, and supportive culture felt more intrinsic and ‘baked in’ to the team and wider organisation and I found that at Co-op Legal Services.

What stood out to you about Co-op Legal Services when you first came across the role?

I didn’t know much about Co-op Legal Services when I first came across the role, but the ethos and culture really stood out the more I researched. I found there was a balance between having real autonomy to run your own caseload, while also being supported through training and supervision.

What kind of training or support made the biggest difference to you early on?

During my first few weeks, I met with my colleagues to discuss where I felt confident in my experience, and where I wanted to build my skills further. That helped me feel like they had a good awareness of my skillset, but also that I had targeted support in place, too.

Outside of the more formal training and support systems, I would also say that I really benefitted from just speaking to other members of the family law team! Everyone was so friendly and approachable, so I never felt scared of asking a potential ‘dumb’ question during my first few weeks.

How did Co-op Legal Services’ case management structure help you grow your skills?

It helped me to feel more assured, because the complexity and level of cases grew gradually alongside my own confidence. It’s a good way of staggering the introduction of more complex elements, so you have the space to grow your knowledge and skills without feeling overwhelmed.

How quickly were you able to progress your career at Co-op Legal Services?

Very quickly although progression was a bit scary at first, if I’m being honest! I hadn’t line managed anyone before, but I knew how much of a difference having a supportive line manager can make. It’s been such a good opportunity, and I don’t think it’s something I would have had at other firms. The opportunity makes you feel like you’re a valued team member, and the experience have helped to grow my confidence and my relationships across the team. Most importantly, though, I really value the chance to make a positive impact on the people I manage. It’s a two-way street, too; I have learnt so much from them!

What does a ‘supportive culture’ look like in practice at Co-op Legal Services?

Day-to-day, it’s as simple as not being afraid to send off a Teams message to someone when you have a question, even if you haven’t actually met them in person! If I have a query or issue, I feel like I can speak to someone about it and figure it out together. From a progression perspective, there are often opportunities to grow, whether that’s through taking on more responsibility or progressing to increasingly complex cases.

What moments recently have reminded you why you chose family law?

Honestly, I feel that way every time I am able to get a positive outcome for a client! We received the court-approved order in a years-long finances case just this week, and being able to let the client know that what had been a very emotionally charged time in their life was now coming to an end was lovely.  Clients in this area of law are often going through one of the most difficult periods of their entire lives, so being able to help them sort through even their most ‘standard’ legal questions feels like you’re making a meaningful difference.

How do you see your career evolving now that you’ve found an environment that supports you?

I’d love to continue developing through more management experience, while my legal skills and knowledge will continue to benefit from exposure to complex, challenging cases. I’ve been able to grow so much in a relatively short space of time at Co-op Legal Services, so I can’t wait to see how I’m able to progress longer-term!

Start your Co-op Legal Services career

If you feel inspired by Niamh's story, click here to discover our current Family Law opportunities!