Name: Fiona Bolton                                                       
Female
Solicitor
Top City of London Firm
  

My name is Fiona Bolton.  I was born in 1977 and I am 28 years old.  I have been a solicitor since 2000.

I read law at Nottingham University and graduated with a 2:1 in 1997.  I did my Legal Practice Course (LPC) at Nottingham School of Law and in 1998 joined Herbert Smith as a Trainee Solicitor.  I had applied to several firms, but at the interview I found those at Herbert Smith to be very positive and relaxed.  I am glad that I did accept their offer as I find the working environment very open, friendly and dynamic.  In addition, the variety and quality of work is excellent.

After my admission as a Solicitor in 2000, I remained with Herbert Smith and I am now a Senior Associate within the Employment Team. 

I undertake a full range of contentious, non-contentious and transactional work.  There is no such thing as a typical day or even a typical week: one day I might be in the Employment Tribunal defending a discrimination claim, the next advising in relation to the termination of a senior executive's employment and the next advising on the employment aspects of a complex corporate transaction!

I am listed as a leading individual in employment law in the Chambers Guide to the UK Legal Profession. I have written articles for employment publications and most recently published an article on interesting aspects of whistleblowing claims in the Employment Lawyers' Association Briefing. During my time at Herbert Smith I have assisted in setting up new Community Action projects in schools in Tower Hamlets and I currently co-ordinate a reading scheme for Herbert Smith volunteers at a nursery school in Tower Hamlets.

My advice to those thinking of training as Solicitors is: 

• Make every effort to excel at what you do.
• Be positive and interested in every task you are given, no matter how big or small.
• Demonstrate initiative and the willingness to help others.

I would also advise those seeking a training contract, and who have not been able to do relevant legal work experience during their vacation, to really think about the experience that they have gained in other jobs/voluntary work which might help them in working at a law firm. They should also make sure that they highlight the ways in which the experience they have gained is relevant.

I have always wanted to be a lawyer since my mid-teens – possibly as my father is a solicitor and my mother is a barrister.  I have never regretted my choice.