We recently interviewed our Trainee Solicitor, Chloe Bayliss, to find out more information about why she chose the Training Contract route to train becoming a solicitor and why she chose Family Law.
This seemed like the best option for me, to continue developing my Family Law knowledge whilst training. The SQE 2 exams have been said to be difficult, and whilst I do not mind an exam, I much prefer a practical way of learning. Whilst working in the Family department for the next 18 months, I will also have to complete the Professional Skills Course, which is a compulsory course that you have to attend in order to qualify.
Due to having worked as a paralegal, I was able to have a 6-month reduction in my training contract. Furthermore, because I had already worked in a non-contentious position, I can complete the full 18-month training contract in the Family Department.
I worked in residential conveyancing for 18 months, dealing with a range of sale and purchase transactions. I realised that I had to take a leap out of my comfort zone and follow what I knew I always wanted to practice in. Family Law has interested me for a number of years as I know of people that have gone through divorce proceedings and I wanted to assist others in making the process as easy as possible. I was lucky enough to receive a job offer at Howes Percival as a Family Paralegal whilst I continued my LPC studies.
Although you broadly learn about Family Law if you choose it as an elective at university, there is so much more to learn in practice. I was of the belief that Family was more orientated around the Children Act however, we also deal with divorce and finances, cohabitation agreements and separation as well as pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements. The process to deal with each of these issues is not transactional and therefore no two days are the same and no two cases are the same, which keeps me on my toes!
In order to be a successful Family solicitor you need to have great people skills, empathy, professionalism, patience and be hard working. Being a family solicitor means that you know everything about your client’s life, and sometimes the process of preparing for hearings can mean that you have a heavier workload than usual.
At Howes Percival we are part of Resolution, which means that we are ‘committed to following a non-confrontational and constructive approach to resolving family issues.’ As a department, we try to keep matters as amicable as possible and to keep matters out of the court arena.
Only when matters are not progressing, we apply to the court for judicial input to assist our clients. I am also very lucky that at Howes Percival there are a range of qualified solicitors within the Family Department from Associate Solicitors to Partners who I have the opportunity to train with and learn from.
We have solicitors within the team who are Collaboratively qualified. This means that if your client and their ex-spouse decide to resolve matters by way of collaborative law there will be a series of meetings that take place with both parties’ solicitors, with the aim being to allow people to resolve their own issues.
Alternatively, parties can attend mediation where a professionally trained mediator helps the parties to work out arrangements for children and finances following separation. A mediator is not able to give legal advice.
Whilst every day has its own challenges, when you start work every morning you have to be able to keep your clients’ best interests at the forefront of your mind as you are assisting in not only the most turbulent time of their life, but also you are assisting them in reaching a settlement that will affect their future too. Working in an area of law where you know every detail about your clients’ lives can sometimes be overwhelming, so it is important that you talk to your colleagues if you need extra support, or to discuss a matter.
My favourite part about completing my training in Family Law is that I can help our clients reach a resolution, whether that be with or without judicial input. It is important that when you work in this area of law that you love your job, and that you are proud of the work that you produce. It is rewarding to know that you are guiding people through one of the most difficult times of their lives to reach a resolution, and I do it with pride.
If you don’t have a degree or equivalent qualification, you can still qualify as a solicitor! You can follow the route of a solicitor apprentice. There are two types of apprenticeships, the Trailblazer apprenticeship or the Graduate apprenticeship. The Trailblazer apprenticeship takes 5-6 years to complete, which can be started post A-level. You must pass both of the SQE exams in order to qualify. The Graduate apprenticeship takes 2-3 years to complete and you will need a level 6 undergraduate degree to complete this route.
At Howes Percival, our People Team are dedicated to the progression of our people. The deadline to apply for the September 2027 training contract is 20 June 2025. If you would prefer to take part in our vacation scheme, the deadline for this year's scheme is 31 March 2025. More details can be found on our careers page here.
The information on this site about legal matters is provided as a general guide only. Although we try to ensure that all of the information on this site is accurate and up to date, this cannot be guaranteed. The information on this site should not be relied upon or construed as constituting legal advice and Howes Percival LLP disclaims liability in relation to its use. You should seek appropriate legal advice before taking or refraining from taking any action.
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