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David Varley

A leap into the unknown… and one of the best decisions I ever made.

It is a difficult thing to decide to change career, and not only that but to change career into something completely different from what you have already been doing.

In 2015 I handed in my notice at the university that had been my home for over six years, where I had been lecturing and teaching in my speciality of medieval literature. Disillusioned with the ever-shrinking pool of tenured jobs in UK academia, and disturbed by the lack of permanence and clear progression in my own job, I had decided my position was unsustainable.

Going “back” to university, once again as a student (indeed, a “mature” one), to retrain as a lawyer was a daunting prospect, but I soon found myself falling in love with the law. Having relocated to Cheshire to be closer to family, I knew I was committed to the area, even as many of my course mates eyed training contracts in London.

In the final stages of my LPC, I found Land Law through a job listing at the University of Law. It was one of a number of firms that I applied to in the North-West and that asked me to come in to be interviewed. I did worry that it might be a bit too “niche”, but I thought I would take a chance and attend the interview.

Within moments of walking into that interview, Land Law established itself as the stand-out firm in my pool of potential employers. The interview was immensely welcoming and friendly, and the enthusiasm of the Partners conducting it was infectious – it was clear that they truly loved what they were doing, and that they were so proud of what they had built here. On the back of that interview, I was kindly offered the opportunity to do several days’ work experience – everyone was so welcoming, and so keen to share an insight into their work with me, that it cemented Land Law’s place as my number one choice.

In the end, I had four offers of employment on the table – and it was without hesitation that I accepted the position of paralegal at Land Law. It would be fair to say that Land Law also took a chance on me – a mature student who had never worked in an office before. I am so glad that they did.

The firm is a welcoming, collegiate place – small enough that you get to know everybody, but not so small as to feel stifling. You are not just a “cog in the machine” here, but a valued member of the team, and the path to advancement is always clear and in front of you. The senior lawyers are approachable, friendly and keen to support you; the junior lawyers are enthusiastic and bring a sense of camaraderie to everything. Everybody clearly loves the work that they do. Throughout my career here, I have felt supported and encouraged to be the best possible lawyer that I can be, and the firm has done an excellent job of making sure that I have all the resources available to assist with this. The firm also, unlike many out there, sees its lawyers as human beings, and strives to make sure that we have a good work/life balance.

So, here I am, nearly two years qualified as a solicitor, and still loving the job as much as I did when I walked through the front door for the first time as a paralegal in 2017.

If you want to work at firm that provides a genuinely happy environment, excellent colleagues and fascinating work, then do what I did… apply for a job at Land Law. You won’t regret it!