My week at Olliers as an intern – Sania Shabbir

I was fortunate to have the opportunity to complete an internship at Olliers this summer.
Initially, I was sceptical, anticipating that I might be given tasks and left to work independently with minimal engagement. However, my experience exceeded these expectations. During my one-week internship, I had the opportunity to complete a range of legal tasks and gain firsthand experience in various aspects of criminal law practice.

The general atmosphere in the office was both peaceful and collaborative, with everyone actively supporting one another. I am deeply grateful to each person who took time out of their busy schedules to come over, introduce themselves and have a one-on-one conversation with me. These interactions were invaluable, allowing me to gain insights into their individual journeys.

The Magistrates’ Court

I was quite nervous as I walked into the office on the first day, but I quickly felt at ease after a warm and informative induction from Hope Rea, a trainee solicitor at Olliers. Following brief introductions with members in the office, I had the opportunity to accompany David Philpott, an experienced solicitor at Olliers, to the Magistrates’ Court.

The moment we entered the court, it was clear the day would be incredibly busy. The courts were extremely busy due to the recent riots, and a lot of real-time changes were being made. Despite the fast-paced and chaotic environment, David navigated it with remarkable composure, addressing each client’s needs promptly and efficiently.

I had the chance to observe multiple client consultations prior to the case hearing, where I witnessed how David skilfully adapted his communication to suit each client’s individual characteristics, ensuring they fully understood.

On my third day, I returned to the Magistrates’ Court with David, sitting on a number of hearings within the court. Unlike the first visit, this day was completely different. Although there was constant movement and there were no set times as the delays in the court were continuing, there was still a sense of order. David managed the caseload with efficiency. The cases handled on the day ranged from assault to motor offences, providing me with a diverse exposure to criminal law.

Throughout the day, David explained what he was doing and answered my questions, including my curiosity about the legal aid system and how clients qualify for it. My time at the Magistrates’ Court was incredibly insightful, offering a firsthand look at how swiftly situations can change.

DBS Conference

On the afternoon of my first day after returning from the Magistrates’ Court, I was introduced to the work the DBS department does. My prior knowledge of the DBS department and its responsibilities was quite limited. However, Eleanor Harris, a paralegal at Olliers, very kindly took the time to walk me through the department’s processes and explain in detail the case she was currently handling. She outlined how she planned to gather additional information from the client to draft representations.

I was then given the opportunity to practice drafting the client’s representations. As this was my first time drafting representations, it was both challenging and rewarding, requiring a lot of attention to detail and a strong ability to construct a persuasive argument. I am grateful to Eleanor for her guidance throughout this process.

The Crown Court

On my second day, I shadowed a solicitor, Martha Whitehead, at the Crown Court. Upon arrival at the Crown Court, we met up with the barrister on the case. We then headed down to the cells of the Crown Court to have a discussion with the defendant prior to the trial. Through the questions asked by both the barrister and Martha, we were able to understand the context behind the messages the prosecution was putting forward.

A particularly intriguing aspect of my time at the Crown Court was seeing how the collaborative roles of the solicitor and barrister integrate effectively within legal proceedings. This collaboration highlighted the importance of each role in the courtroom. Additionally, after gaining experience in the Magistrates’ Court, it was interesting to observe the Crown Court, allowing me to compare the two and deepen my understanding of their distinct procedures and complexities.

The Police Station

On my fourth day, I had the opportunity to shadow Martha Odysseos at Swinton Police Station, where she was representing a suspect who had been arrested for assault and was now in custody. I was actively involved in the disclosure of evidence with the police, the consultation with the client, and the subsequent police interview.

Martha’s professionalism was evident throughout our visit to the police station. She provided the client with sound, well-considered advice after carefully listening to his account of the events. I had the opportunity to observe Martha as she carefully advised the client to answer all questions during the interview and put forward his defence. Seeing this process unfold in real life was both fascinating and insightful. During my LPC, I extensively covered police station procedures and the various options available to a suspect during a police interview. However, witnessing these concepts being applied in a real case provided me with a much deeper understanding.

Having never experienced the initial stages of client representation before, this experience was invaluable, offering me a firsthand look at the critical role of police station representation.

Discussion with Matthew Claughton

On my final day, I had a discussion with Matthew Claughton, the firm’s Managing Director. The conversation reaffirmed my belief that Olliers is dedicated not only to educating but also to inspiring future solicitors. The structure of the week reflected this commitment, combining traditional legal training with an emphasis on instilling a sense of responsibility in aspiring solicitors.

Although it has been a busy week, filled with new experiences, I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Olliers. I would like to thank everyone involved for making this internship experience so valuable.