We are pleased to announce that Tessa Hickey has recently qualified as a solicitor in the Employment Team, marking a significant milestone in her career journey. After years of hard work through university, law school, and a rigorous two-year training period, Tessa has successfully transitioned into her role as a newly qualified solicitor (NQ). We spoke with Tessa about her experiences, challenges, and passions within employment law.
- Can you share your journey to becoming a solicitor within the employment team? What steps did you take, and were there any challenges you faced along the way?
During my traineeship, I had the opportunity to join the employment team for 9 months and thereafter qualified into the department. This allowed for a smooth transition into the NQ role, allowing me to get to know clients and have the opportunity to see cases that I had worked on during my traineeship from start to finish, furthering my understanding of employment law.
I also had the opportunity to gain experience in the commercial property department and litigation department during my traineeship. Having the opportunity to work within both of these departments allowed me to develop the ability to work in a fast-paced environment and gain an understanding of the crossovers between the different areas of law.
- What sparked your passion for employment law? Was there a specific moment or experience that made you want to specialise in this area?
At university, I thoroughly enjoyed the employment law modules and ended up basing my dissertation on the area, managing to secure a good grade for this piece of work. I then had the opportunity to experience working with employment law in practice during my traineeship, which consolidated my interest in the area.
- As a solicitor in the employment team, what are some of the key responsibilities you handle on a daily basis?
As a newly qualified solicitor within the team, my key responsibility is helping and supporting the team with their ongoing matters. Some of the tasks I handle daily include reviewing and advising on settlement agreements and drafting contracts of employment!
- How do you keep up with changes in employment law and ensure that your clients receive the most accurate and current advice?
With employment law being a constantly evolving area, it is important to keep updated on the changes. I keep myself updated in several ways, such as listening to podcasts focused on employment law, including those that discuss new judgments that have been issued. LinkedIn is also a useful way to keep updated. When there are changes that are likely to affect our clients, I ensure that we write a blog covering them.
- Can you describe a particularly impactful case you worked on in the employment team? What was your role, and what was the outcome?
I thoroughly enjoyed assisting my colleagues with an unfair dismissal case during my traineeship, where we managed to obtain a successful result on behalf of our client. It was a case that required carrying out thorough research and constructing a strong legal argument. It was one of the first successful results I helped achieve within the team.
- What do you find most rewarding about working in the employment law sector?
Employment law issues can be complex and can have a detrimental effect on workplace cultures; therefore, ensuring that the issues are dealt with in a careful yet swift manner is important and can be rewarding when a practical solution is established.
- What advice would you give aspiring solicitors considering a career in employment law?
My advice to aspiring solicitors considering a career in employment law would be to gain practical experience of what it's like to work within the sector during your traineeship. This hands-on learning is invaluable and can provide real insight into the profession.
As Tessa embarks on this new chapter, we look forward to seeing the contributions she will make to the field and the positive changes she will help bring about for clients. If Tessa's story resonates with you, why not start your journey toward becoming a solicitor? Explore our traineeship opportunities today and take the first step toward a fulfilling career. Apply now and be part of the change!
