Alex Copson has qualified
To celebrate Alex Copson finishing his Training Contract with us and joining the Commercial Property team as a newly qualified solicitor in March 2024, we have asked him some deep and meaningful questions to get an insight into what makes Alex tick:
What is your job title and experience?
I am, from 18th March 2024, due to begin my role as Solicitor in the Commercial Property department at Pearson Hards LLP.
I have previously worked as a trainee and paralegal at Pearson Hards and have attended various legal seminars with the Law Society and the Courts since my time as an undergraduate student at Warwick University.
What areas of law do you specialise in?
I selected Commercial Property as my preferred field as I have enjoyed this area from both an academic and working aspect. I hope to gradually build up my specialism in this sector in the future.
Why did you decide to work in the legal industry?
As much as I enjoyed studying History at university, I didn’t want to become a teacher or a professor. Problem solving and the investigative aspect is of great use to one’s life, like conveyancing,
We know you live locally; did you go to school nearby?
I did! I went to secondary school at Hall School Wimbledon, The Downs and I was at Kingston Grammar School during sixth form.
Volunteering has been a passion of yours, where have you volunteered and from when?
I have volunteered at Speirs House Care Home from 2016, where I won an award with Greensleeves Care Group for National Volunteer of the Year in 2020, to help residents with using IT to better their quality of life. I still visit some of the residents now on an infrequent basis.
I also volunteered at the Imperial War Museums from September 2019 to January 2023, where I engaged with visitors to tell the story of the many exhibits at the museum as well as use the museum’s online archival records to attempt to trace family histories during the First and Second World Wars.
When did you join Pearson Hards?
I first visited Pearson Hards in the summer of 2021 to do a two-week work experience across several departments. After my two weeks, I enquired as to the possibility of an available paralegal role with the firm, and I then started as a paralegal in the Wealth Management department from October 2021.
Eleven months later, I accepted an offer from to commence my training contract with the firm from September 2022.
When did you qualify?
I was added to the roll of solicitors on 5th March 2024 and started in the Commercial Property team after a short break on 18 March 2024.
What do you believe that you will enjoy the most about working in the commercial property department at Pearson Hards?
The variety of interesting and complex work that passes through our commercial property department. Gaining a broad understanding of how to deal with differing aspects around commercial property matters to a high degree of competency is something I am looking forward to attaining.
I am also keen to build up a relationship with our existing client base and bringing new business to the firm.
What do you find most challenging about your job?
Keeping on top of all the many important tasks needed to progress a matter as well as anticipate any potential actions to be taken is a challenge. Ensuring you stay up-to-date with the law, good organisation and efficient working is required to complete your daily tasks and to be aware of each matter’s progress and the prospective next steps.
What advice would you give to aspiring law solicitors?
It is well documented that opportunities within the legal industry are tricky to obtain regardless of your background or relative level of experience. It may be difficult to do so at times, but it is crucial to never give up and have the endurance to carry on going. Keep yourself up to speed with legal news and developments and get involved with whatever you can to add to your legal experience.
What are some of the attributes which you need to be a successful lawyer?
Ability to work with people and form professional relationships. Organisation and a good work ethic are also important. Genuine interest in the law and how it applies to individuals and businesses is also key. Dedication and a willingness to challenge yourself every day together with a fun personality also helps to endear yourself to your colleagues and clients too!
What are your ambitions for the future?
I want to gain experience and knowledge within my field by tackling increasingly complex and significant work. I also look forward to learning from my colleagues to better myself and my craft. I will keep myself abreast of legal developments and adapt accordingly to best serve the needs of clients.
I also want to ensure I maintain my happiness and health!
