Sophie Holt is a Paralegal at the firm, and she specialises in both Residential and Commercial property transactions, whilst also training on our Family Law cases.
When did you join Lancashire Law?
I first joined Lancashire Law in 2022 as a part-time staff member until I graduated University. I then accepted a full-time position once I graduated the University of Manchester with my LLB Law degree.
How do you intend to progress within the firm?
I am currently studying my LLM Part Time Course (SQE 1 & 2) which I started in June 2023. The course ends in May 2025, when I will graduate with a Master’s degree in law and go on to sit the Solicitors Qualifying Examinations (SQE).
How are you finding the Solicitors Qualifying Exam?
The SQE is the new route for Law graduates to qualify, and eventually will become the only route as they begin to phase out the “traditional” Training Contract route. An advantage of the SQE is that I can carry out my Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) before or during the final exams. Whereas with a training contract, the 2 years of QWE begins after the exams. Whilst the SRA promote the SQE as an advantageous route, there are still flaws and hiccups, as with anything new. The SRA are still developing the SQE as a whole, for example the marking process, to ensure a consistent and coherent run for candidates. These exams have definitely been the toughest part of my legal studies, but hard work will pay off eventually.
What is your favourite aspect of your job?
My favourite aspect of the job at the moment is learning new things. I am eager to qualify as a solicitor so I highly value any knowledge and expertise I can pick up as I come across new transactions and cases every day.
What does your typical day look like?
I am based in our Milnrow office where I work predominantly on property transactions. These include residential and commercial sale and purchases, re-mortgages, transfers, etc. I manage the day-to-day progression of the transaction(s). Fridays are usually very busy with completions and I enjoy using my time to call clients with the good news.
I tend to run appointments for Will signs and Will writing and observe the Family Law appointments with our Family Law solicitor, Elizabeth Bates. I scan the diary weekly to see which appointments I will be able to take part in.
How do you like to relax away from work?
I spend my free time mostly socialising with family and friends, eating out, and travelling. A typical weekend for me would involve a morning gym session or dog walk, and a brunch to reward myself afterwards!
For more information please contact Sophie on 01706 525053/01706 818111 or email her at: sophie.holt@lancslaw.co.uk
