Leila Bolton – Trainee Blog

November 2024

On 7 November Rollits hosted the first in a series of education breakfast briefings. It focussed on Social Media Challenges in Education. As well as welcoming guests to the event, I attended and took notes in order to put together an article for the website. The article, which is now published on our website, offered a brief introduction to some of the subject areas covered. I enjoyed the opportunity to engage with clients and attend the briefing, which I found very informative.

This month I have seen the progression of matters that I have been assisting with. Again, the areas of work that I have been involved with have been very varied, including trespass, matrimonial advice and commercial matters. I have undertaken research tasks in some niche areas including section 233B of the Insolvency Act and how it interacts with clauses in commercial contracts for the sale of goods.

On a lighter note, the employee forum organised the “Rollits’ Quiz” evening, which I attended. It was a chance to catch up with colleagues, enjoy some food and drinks and have a bit of fun. The event was very popular and pretty competitive for some!

October 2024

This month has seen me work on a variety of different matters. I have attended the Family Court for a final hearing in a private child matter. The hearing was listed for a full day. My role was to accompany our client, provide hard copy bundles to the court, attend meetings with the client and counsel, sit in on the hearing and take a detailed note of the hearing and any discussions before and after. I then produced a file note to be added to the electronic matter file. This gave me an insight into the work carried out in such a matter, both in preparation for and at the hearing itself.

I have also assisted on matters relating to recovery of possession, financial proceedings in divorce cases and trespass. I have undertaken drafting and research tasks. In addition, I have made land registry applications, liaised with clients, counsel and the courts. In terms of continuing competence and development, I have attended webinars on issues such as boundary disputes, rights of way and demergers.

The employee forum organised a “Wear it pink” afternoon tea this month, which I attended. The event was a great way to build relationships with other members of the firm whilst enjoying some cakes and raising money for charity. I am looking forward to seeing what November brings!

September 2024

This month saw me begin my training contract with a first seat in the dispute resolution team here at Rollits. I spent much of the first week completing the scheduled onboarding training and being introduced to the various team members and departments within the firm. I have been made to feel most welcome. I have already had the opportunity to network when Rollits hosted the launch of the Heritage Open Days in the Hull office.

I have been working on a variety of different matters, covering various practice areas including disputes in property, family and contractual issues. I have been involved in creating draft documents such as file notes, advice notes, emails and letters under the guidance of my supervising colleagues.

In addition, I have been receiving initial client telephone enquiries, which has given me the opportunity to practice my client relation and information gathering skills in order to establish if it is a matter that we can assist with. I have enjoyed having the opportunity to research specific issues such as the acquisition of rights through long use or enjoyment of land.

This month seems to have flown by and I am looking forward to the next month of my legal development.

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I graduated from the University of Stirling with a philosophy degree before entering the hospitality industry as a pub and restaurant manager in both managed and independent venues. Having briefly worked within licensing law I decided on a career change. In 2019 I began my legal training at the University of Hull studying the LLB Law. Graduating from the University of Law in Leeds with the LPC and business masters in 2023 I began my training contract with Rollits in September 2024, with a first seat in the dispute resolution team.