Interview with a Trainee Solicitor: Ilan Braha
Have you got a question?
Why did you want to become a Solicitor?
Well, mainly because I wanted to escape the stereotypical ‘Jewish’ jobs like working in finance, medicine, law…wait a minute!
Near the end of my undergraduate non-law degree (Ancient History at the University of Manchester), I undertook legal work experience in a local law firm. It was a great experience and definitely firmed up my career ambitions.
It’s not an easy road to become a Solicitor, how do you feel now you’re nearing the end of your journey?
Well, I didn’t see myself qualifying during a global pandemic! So, a slight concern there but otherwise, eager anticipation!
What motivates you when it comes to your job?
Learning more about how our legal system works, developing my skills as a lawyer – and of course, getting the results for the clients!
Do you remember how you felt when you got your training contract?
A great moment!
What area of law do you enjoy the most?
Of those I’m working in at Oracle, I most enjoy the Commercial side of things.
I have previously worked in Clinical Negligence and really enjoyed it, so that’s another area I’d be happy working in in the future.
What do you do in your spare time?
I’m very interested in learning other languages – at (early) intermediate with Russian and similar-ish with Spanish. I also quite enjoy writing up stories and might even get published – so watch this space!
What advice would you give a paralegal finding it hard to get that training contract?
Don’t give up. It’s a really hard process and don’t get discouraged by not succeeding. Keep trying, get legal experience – whether that’s as a paralegal, legal secretary, judicial assistant; or work experience if nothing paid is available. Don’t scattergun your approaches; work out what you enjoy doing and aim for the firms that specialise in those areas. Sometimes something quite random can come up – for example, I got a call out of the blue by a recruiter for an Aviation Paralegal position and the rest, as they say, is history.
Funnies
Tea or coffee?
Tea. I’m particularly partial to Earl Grey; I’ve also had some delicious mint tea and apple tea; the latter particularly in Turkey!
Stairs or lift?
Depends on how many floors! If only a few floors – for example, our office in WeWork is on the third floor – then the stairs. Helps with fitness and is frequently quicker!
Beer or wine?
I’m not really a drinker. Allergic to beer, so of the two, wine. On the other hand, a glass of Pimm’s on a warm summer’s day…ahhh!
Packed lunch or buy lunch?
Packed lunch.
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