Lana Wilks is currently studying the LLM Legal Practice with us online. She shares what it’s like working at her ‘perfect fit’ law firm, balancing work with studying and her advice for finding the right career path.
By April Baniqued. Published 25 July 2025.
It wasn’t until partway through my undergraduate law degree that I realised I wanted to become a solicitor. A visit to Baker McKenzie’s London office during a business law module helped me visualise what life in a corporate legal setting could look like and that was the moment it clicked. I’m now fully committed and on track to qualify as a solicitor by the end of 2026.
When I realised I wanted to become a solicitor, I explored my options for the SQE and discovered The University of Law’s LLM Legal Practice course. The University’s flexibility and online format fitted perfectly around my job schedule. The fact that the course qualifies for government funding and includes a master’s degree was also a huge bonus.
As well as studying, I also have a training contract at McCormicks Solicitors, working as a trainee solicitor. My firm is known for its expertise in sports law - as a former rugby player and a qualified referee, staying involved in the sport means a lot to me and I couldn’t have planned this better.
I first joined the firm as a Legal Secretary and Assistant where I quickly learned how different legal practice is compared to academic study. After a few months, the firm offered me a training contract which I’m extremely grateful for.
McCormicks values internal progression and invests in developing its people. That kind of supportive culture has had a huge impact on my early legal career. For example, the head of my department and our senior partner encouraged me to apply for a position on the RFU Disciplinary Panel as part of my development with the practice. Their support gave me the confidence to apply and I was fortunate enough to be successful in my application.
The role involves dealing with allegations of foul play and misconduct, such as red cards awarded in matches. We review evidence, player statements and witness accounts to determine if there’s been a breach of the rules and, if so, issue a proportionate sanction. It’s a position that aligns perfectly with my interests and legal career.
Alongside work, I also stay active in legal writing. The University always encourages us to stay commercially aware and this inspired me to write for The Student Lawyer. I had already written for the York law journal, Ebor Lex and really enjoyed it. When I saw The Student Lawyer advertising for writers, I jumped at the chance. Nearly two years later, I’m still writing for them. It’s helped sharpen my legal writing, encouraged me to think critically about big cases and improved how I communicate complex legal concepts - skills that are invaluable in practice.
Balancing everything is a real challenge. The SQE demands a huge amount of time and focus. There are days when it’s genuinely difficult to find the energy to study after work. One book that motivates me is The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis. It follows a young girl in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan in the late 1990s. What struck me was the unwavering commitment to learning, despite all odds. The courage to seek knowledge in the face of oppression is something that constantly inspires me, especially as I pursue my own education and legal career.
I’m also incredibly lucky to have the support of my firm. McCormicks provides study days, guidance from senior colleagues and general flexibility to help me manage everything. Without that support network, I genuinely don’t think I’d be managing as well as I am.
My advice when searching for a training contract is to be intentional. It’s easy to fall into the trap of applying to every firm offering a fully funded training contract but the key is to apply where you’re genuinely interested. Your enthusiasm will show. That said, don’t panic if you don’t secure a contract straight after university. There’s no shame in starting as a paralegal or legal assistant and working your way up. Everyone has a different path - do what works for you.
Also, while a firm is investing in you, remember, you're making a significant investment in your future career too, so it's vital to look at the bigger picture. Many factors influence the decision to accept any job and given the long-term impact a training contract can have on your legal career, it deserves the same level of consideration, if not more.
For those still undecided about their career path, my advice is to explore what you enjoy. Go on firm visits, shadow professionals, write for publications and try out different roles. The legal industry is broad and you shouldn’t expect to have a clear focus on what you want to spend your career doing before it even begins. Some of the best lawyers I know have diverse backgrounds before their journey into law, such as police officers and journalists. There is no single “right” way in.
Most importantly, find a workplace that values and supports you. The right environment can shape not only your career but also your confidence, well-being and growth. And above all, be kind to yourself. The early stages of a legal career are tough but they’re just the beginning of something bigger.
In five years, I see myself fully qualified, with experience under my belt and a clear trajectory toward becoming a partner. I’d love to lead a department one day and mentor others in the same way I’ve been mentored. I’m also really interested in gaining Higher Rights of Audience and training as a mediator, especially as dispute resolution becomes more central to litigation.
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