I Got Hired: Rachel
Posted on: 24 August 2026 by Richard Finch in Class of 2025
Class of 2025 Law with Criminology graduate Rachel James is now working as a Clinical Negligence Paralegal at Davies and Partners Solicitors, applying the skills and knowledge developed during her studies to support clients and progress her career in the legal sector.
What first caught your attention about this role, and what made you think, “This is for me”?
I have a genuine passion for clinical negligence and the wider field of medical law. From my very first medical law lecture at university, I knew this was the area of law that inspired me most and confirmed the career I wanted to pursue. It was one of those subjects that immediately resonated with me, combining complex legal principles with the opportunity to make a meaningful difference to the lives of individuals.
My interest is also rooted in personal experience. Witnessing difficulties my nan faced within the healthcare system strengthened my determination to pursue a career in clinical negligence. It reinforced my desire to advocate for those who have been let down by medical professionals and to help them access the justice and support they deserve. Since then, I have been committed to developing my knowledge and skills in this area, and I knew I was eager to build my career within clinical negligence law.
Which experience along your journey has had the biggest impact on who you are professionally today?
The experience that has had the greatest impact on who I am professionally today has been transitioning from university into the legal workplace and being surrounded by experienced legal professionals. At university, there is often time to research and prepare for every assignment. In practice, I quickly learnt that the legal profession is far more dynamic. Deadlines can change, urgency of certain tasks change unexpectedly, and you learn to prioritise.
Working alongside experienced solicitors taught me that success is not about having all the answers immediately, but about remaining adaptable. I learnt that no amount of preparation can account for every scenario you will encounter, particularly in a client-focused area such as clinical negligence, where every case presents unique challenges.
Most importantly, this experience strengthened my confidence. I realised that I had earned my place in the profession and that it is important to trust my abilities while continuing to learn from those around me. It has shaped me into someone who embraces challenges and that I become excited at the idea of everyday is an opportunity to learn something new.
What’s been the toughest part of your graduate journey, and what did it teach you?
As I am still at the beginning of my legal career, I have no doubt that my answer to this question will evolve over time. However, the toughest part of my journey so far has been learning to believe in myself and accepting that making mistakes is an essential part of becoming a lawyer.
Like many perfectionists, I have found it difficult when I get something wrong. Early on, it could feel like I had failed, when in reality it was simply part of the learning process. Working alongside some truly great and experienced solicitors and legal directors has shown me that no one starts their career knowing everything, and that growth comes from asking questions and applying lessons moving forward.
This has taught me to view challenges as opportunities rather than setbacks. Instead of striving for perfection, I now focus on continuous improvement. Every mistake has helped me develop greater confidence and a stronger understanding of the law. I know these experiences are shaping me into the kind of lawyer I aspire to be, someone who is always willing to learn and adapt.
If you could give future grads one piece of advice, what would it be?
My golden nugget of advice would be to enjoy the process and trust your journey. The graduate job search can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also feel discouraging at times. Rejections are part of the process, not a reflection of your potential. The right opportunity will come, even if it takes a little longer than you expected.
When choosing your first role, look for somewhere you feel supported and comfortable enough to grow. The transition from university to the workplace is one of the biggest changes you’ll experience, and while it’s important to step outside your comfort zone, it’s equally important to have an environment where you can learn, ask questions, and build confidence.
Most importantly, believe in yourself. You have worked hard to get to this point, and you deserve to be there. Trust your abilities, embrace every learning opportunity, and remember that every experience, whether it goes to plan or not, is helping shape the lawyer you are becoming.
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