At Scott Bailey LLP, we are proud to support the next generation of legal talent. Each year, we sponsor the Best Exam Performance in Land Law award at the University of Southampton – with the winner receiving a one-week placement with our team in Lymington.
The most recent winner, Isha Malhotra, joined us in June to experience life at a busy high street law firm. Across five days, Isha spent time with several departments – including Family, Litigation & Dispute Resolution, Commercial Property, Private Client, and Conveyancing – gaining first-hand insight into how legal theory translates into real-world practice.
We were delighted to welcome Isha to the firm and are equally pleased to share her reflections from the week. From complex client matters to day-to-day office life, here is what she discovered during her time with us.
“Stepping out of the lecture hall and into the reality of a busy high street law firm was certainly a change for me! I finished my final exam on the 29th of May, and not even two weeks later, I’d put away my textbooks and traded the historic cases and judgments for some far more current, ongoing matters. From the intricate details of property law to the compassionate approach of family matters, this placement offered an invaluable glimpse into the diverse and dynamic world that awaits after graduation.
My immersive week began in the Family Department, where I was able to review a matter recently resolved by Sarah Unsworth, an equity partner at Scott Bailey. Armed with a file of considerable size, I sat down and started at the very beginning. I was immediately amazed by the sheer volume and detail captured and discussed in a single fixed-fee meeting, particularly impressed by how deftly Sarah extracted all the crucial aspects of the issue in just an hour.
The file itself was testament to the meticulous work done in the department, brimming with detailed notes, correspondence to and from the respondents, instructions to counsel, and countless other documents. Witnessing the entire lifecycle of the case, which took place over several months, in just one day was amazing to see. It was a perfect introduction, offering insight into how a legal matter truly unfolds.
On Tuesday, I was with the Dispute Resolution team, headed by Azmi Quraishe, a partner at the firm. It was here that I gained valuable familiarity with the firm’s legal case management system, an essential tool that streamlines the complex cases that come through the firm. I spent a significant portion of my day delving into the current caseload and had the opportunity to read about the incredibly fascinating work being handled by the team. I learnt several key terms that I had not come across in my time at law school and was amazed by the complicated matters that were handled with ease.
I also had the opportunity to sit in on an initial client call, which provided a first-hand look at how the knowledgeable team members approach new matters, gather crucial information, and set the stage for resolving disputes. It was an incredibly insightful day, and I learnt so much!
My third day immersed me in the Commercial Property team, a department focused on complex transactions and meticulous due diligence. I started my day with some hands-on filing – an incredibly valuable experience that highlighted the organisation taking place behind the scenes of legal practice. I then delved into a commercial lease, familiarising myself with its structure, common clauses and potential issues.
I was surprised to find out about the number of crucial searches required before a property is bought or sold, and I was even guided through the practical steps of ordering these searches. To end an already insightful day, Philip Salt, an equity partner, took time from his busy schedule to teach me about the complex concept of leases by renewal and patiently talked me through the practicalities of drafting one.
My fourth day offered a fascinating deep dive into the Wills, Trusts, and Probate department, where I had the privilege of spending the day with Richard Wadsworth, an equity partner at the firm. Under his expert guidance, I gained invaluable insight into the intricate processes of will drafting and probate.
I spent time reading through several different wills, which helped me understand their structure and the key legal points that must always be meticulously covered. Equally insightful was learning about what happens to an individual’s estate after they pass away, particularly concerning inheritance tax and the probate process. The highlight of the day was attending a client meeting, where I had the opportunity to take notes on an incredibly complex issue and then draft my own attendance note (a written summary of the meeting). Finally, Richard generously guided me through the practical process of drafting a will for a client, providing truly invaluable hands-on experience.
My final day was spent with the Residential Property team where Daniel Ratcliff tasked me with some hands-on research, applicable to a real case! Using the Land Registry, I was reading up on the rules of easements by prescription. He patiently taught me how to research the issue on the relevant pages and guided me through the information that would be required. After completing the research, he asked me to draft an email of my own, as if I was genuinely a part of the legal team. I was so grateful for the practical experience that I gained, and I’m sure these skills will be applicable wherever the future takes me!
My week at Scott Bailey was an experience of profound insight and invaluable learning. I am deeply grateful to every member of the team – from partners to legal assistants, paralegals, solicitors, and administrative staff – who generously took time from their demanding caseloads to patiently explain complex legal terms and processes. This dedication truly reflects the firm’s ethos, where kindness and mutual respect are clearly at the heart of every interaction, making Scott Bailey a truly exceptional place to work and learn.”
If you’re interested in working for Scott Bailey LLP, visit our careers page.
