Name: Katie Male
Firm: Boodle Hatfield
Position: Trainee solicitor
Degree: French
University: Oxford
Hobbies: Choir, orchestra, yoga
Current department: Residential Property
Number of TC applications made and interviews attended: 1/1
Why did you decide to train as a solicitor?
I wanted to do something stimulating that would present different challenges every day and give me the opportunity to think creatively. I wanted to deal with people and to work in an environment where relationships are important.
What were the biggest challenges you faced when trying to secure a training contract?
I had limited legal work experience when I decided to pursue a career in law. It was hard to know at what point to stop trying to broaden my experience of the law and start making applications for a training contract.
What was the toughest training contract interview question you were asked (at any firm) and how did you answer?
If you could change any law, what would it be? The question of the legality of whole-life prison sentences was in the press at the time. I discussed the arguments on both sides but I can’t remember whether I ever came to a conclusion!
Tell us a bit about the type of work handled by the department you’re in at the moment…
We act for high net worth individuals on the sale and purchase of residential property. We also advise a number of landed estates on the day-to-day running of those estates and we act on agricultural land transactions.
What are the most enjoyable aspects of your job?
I enjoy the team spirit to be found in working together to get a job done and the culture of curiosity bred throughout the firm.
What about your job didn’t you expect before you started?
I didn’t expect senior members of the firm to be so generous with their time and to place such an emphasis on the junior members’ personal and professional development. Nor did I expect to have the opportunity to work directly with partners so much.
Who’s the most recent email in your inbox from, and what’s it about?
It is from a colleague asking me to submit a Land Registry application tomorrow.
Where’s the best place to go to get your office’s gossip?
The family team.
Describe your training partner in three words.
Approachable, supportive, relatable.
Tell us two truths and one lie about yourself (in any order).
- I am about to spend four weeks in India.
- In 2006 I got an award for enthusiasm in Science.
- I have read every novel Agatha Christie ever wrote.
If you had not decided to become a lawyer, what career would you have chosen?
Fundraising in the Arts.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to pursue a career in law?
Be open-minded about the different areas of law as you go through your training contract/vac schemes – you never know what you might enjoy.
