How Trainee Solicitor Jim Turner combines work and study
Couchman Hanson is delighted to announce that our Trainee Solicitor, Jim Turner, recently passed his SQE 1 exam. We sat down with Jim to find out more.
At Couchman Hanson, we take pride in treating our customers well. But we’re also proud of how we treat our people too. When Jim Turner joined Couchman Hanson in April 2023 as a paralegal, we invested in his ambition to become a solicitor.
Jim has just passed his SQE 1 exam and is halfway towards his goal – and we’re sure that having another qualified solicitor on board will help us provide an even better service to our clients.
For this article, we sat down with Jim to learn more about his journey to becoming a solicitor. Let’s get started.
Getting started
‘A couple of months in, the firm asked me, ‘What do you want to do in your career?’ Ultimately, I wanted to be a solicitor.’
Jim Turner joined Couchman Hanson as a Paralegal. He previously worked at Hamlins, a London law firm. Soon after starting, Jim told Daniel Couchman (our Founder) that his ambition was to become a solicitor. Talking it through, Jim discovered he had two options:
The traditional LPC – a formal training contract for two years
The new SQE –SQE 1 exams, SQE 2 exams, and two years of qualifying work experience
Jim decided he’d prefer to try the SQE route, given that he already has some paralegal experience and the potential for qualifying work at Couchman Hanson.
At Couchman Hanson, we always try to support our people in their career goals. So we asked Jim to find a course provider he liked, figure out how it would work, and estimate its cost. When he came back with his proposal, we were happy to approve it.
Challenging times
‘I must admit, it’s probably the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Working five days a week and trying to fit in study time is really challenging.’
The SQE is a new type of exam with two parts: SQE 1 and SQE 2. Once Jim decided on the SQE route, he spent nine months studying for SQE 1, all while working full-time at Couchman Hanson.
‘It’s 180 multiple-choice questions. Each one is in a specific style, so there’s a lot to get your head around.’
Work was always busy, and Jim was beginning to struggle to put time aside to study. Daniel Couchman saw this conflict and took action, allowing Jim to dedicate Friday afternoons wholly to study. It’s another example of Couchman Hanson supporting our people as they try to further their careers. Once Jim had Friday afternoons set aside for study, he began to adapt and thrive.
Looking to the future
Jim passed the SQE 1 exam in July 2024 and plans to take the SQE 2 next July. All of us at Couchman Hanson are very proud of the effort he has put in.
Away from his studies, Jim is now able to work more closely with clients and handle more work inside the firm. But what about the future?
‘I currently work mainly in litigation, and that’s the area I want to go into. However, I want to specialise in contentious probate and niche litigation work.’
Jim can’t wait to get started on his career as a solicitor, and it’s all thanks to his hard work - with support from Couchman Hanson.
‘The support the firm has given me, both financially for the course and helping me manage, has been incredible. What a great employer they are. I’m very grateful.’
Company founder and Managing Director, Daniel Couchman explained that people development forms a vital part of Couchman Hanson`s future plans. He said. “As our company grows, recruiting and developing industry talent will be vital - Jim has been an absolute credit to himself and our company”.
Find out more from Couchman Hanson
At Couchman Hanson, our solicitors genuinely care about getting the best outcome for you. We’re highly professional, with ‘city’ level talent and experience, but also friendly and welcoming. Everything we do fits with our values of integrity, honesty and authenticity.
Call 01428 774756 or visit couchmanhanson.co.uk.