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George Potter

My Land Law “journey” started soon after finishing my undergraduate degree in history and French just over four years ago. I had always had a vague idea that I would at some stage in my career convert to law, but I had intended to start my career in another sector before pursuing my end goal, feeling it would be better to come into law having a sound grounding in commercial and business world to understand the dynamics behind deals. I soon realised that the work that was available to a graduate with my degree simply did not appeal to me and would not provide me with the challenge I so desired.

I decided to start the GDL in September 2019, not realising how different my studies would turn out to be from what was anticipated with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 and the subsequent cycle of lockdowns that followed. It was a challenge trying to stay engaged with teaching all taking place online and no possibility of having meetings with fellow students and our lecturers; an issue which continued going into the LPC in September 2020; I never had a chance to meet any of my fellow students face to face. I have no doubt that the experience of studying during the uncertainties and unpredictability of the pandemic, as I’m sure is the case with many others who studied during this period, helped enhance my resilience in the face of adversity and my determination to succeed.

I chose as my electives for the LPC advanced commercial property, advanced civil litigation and commercial law and intellectual property. Ironically, whilst studying for the GDL, I found land law immensely dry, tedious and deeply difficult to envisage being applied. My views changed when I started the core property module for the LPC. I began to understand how what had previously seemed incomprehensible could apply within the context of a property transaction. Having always had a fascination with the built environment, in particular urban regeneration, the fusion of the modern and the historic and an interest in major projects and infrstructure, I was delighted to discover an area of law in which specialisation would further down the line potentially allow me to be involved in such development work. As such, it was a no brainer for me to choose advanced commercial property as one of my electives. Towards the end of last summer, whilst finishing up my extended essay for the LPC, I saw a job advert on the BPP Careers page for paralegals, preferably those who had taken advanced commercial property and advanced civil litigation for a firm called Land Law based in Altrincham; a place I had always heard of mentioned as an affluent, pleasant “market town” (if it can still be called as such) and knew was only 20 minutes away on the Metrolink from – what I believe to be - Europe’s fastest growing city in Manchester. I promptly applied and was interviewed soon after, receiving an offer a couple of days after interview. I started in November 2021 – having never previously worked in a professional environment, and from the outset I was sat right next to the managing partner!

Just over six months after starting, I was offered a training contract which I quickly accepted. Coming from having had no previous professional experience, the initial months were certainly daunting at times. However, I have been extremely well supported throughout my time here and most importantly, my colleagues have consistently shown great belief in me to improve, which has helped get me to the position I am in now as trainee solicitor. A fantastic aspect of working for Land Law, in addition to being able to work closely alongside lawyers with an enormous wealth of experience in all aspects of commercial property, is the client base that the firm has. This client base and reach means that one can end up working on some very interesting projects that potentially also lead to significant workstreams further down the line. I would suggest to anybody looking to join Land Law who is in the position I was is to grab the opportunities you are afforded with both hands and make the most of the people you work alongside; they are always extremely supportive and ready to offer help when you need it. Do not be afraid to ask questions, do not feel daunted – and make sure you are organised. If you put the effort in, you will reap the rewards!