Most first-seat trainees are only beginning to think about which area of law they might eventually qualify into. For Eve, that decision came a little earlier. Here, Eve reflects on their journey from Paralegal to Trainee Solicitor via the NQ+ route, and how they discovered that litigation was the career path for them.

Published: 12 November 2026
Author: Eve Murtland, Trainee Solicitor

As a first-seat trainee, it probably sounds slightly bizarre for me to already be writing an article about qualification. Let me explain.

I joined Shoosmiths over a year and a half ago as a Paralegal in the Dispute Resolution and Litigation team in Belfast. At that stage, my experience in the legal profession was relatively limited, having spent just six months working in a small law firm alongside a sole practitioner. Although my time there was short, it gave me my first real insight into what being a solicitor looks like in practice.

When I joined Shoosmiths, I soon realised that the two firms were worlds apart, and at times it felt as though I had been thrown in at the deep end. Within just a couple of weeks of starting my new role, I found myself assisting on one of the largest breach of warranty disputes in Northern Ireland.

Initially, I had some doubts about whether working in litigation would suit me. I have never considered myself particularly argumentative or confrontational, and before working in the area, I probably associated litigation with both of those things. I quickly came to realise that litigation is far less about arguing with people and much more about strategy, problem-solving and finding the best way forward for a client.

As the months passed, I became increasingly familiar with the work and built a great rapport with the team. My team was phenomenal from the outset, patiently answering all my questions, ranging from ’how do I file a Writ of Summons?’ to ’what time should I take lunch?’

As I became more settled within the team, I came to love the variety of work that landed on my desk. Working alongside legal advisers who specialise in different areas meant that each day seemed to bring a new problem to solve and something new to learn. It was through that experience that I realised litigation was the career path I wanted to pursue.

It was at that point that I applied for the NQ+ role advertised within our team. The interview remains one of the most nerve-wracking experiences of my career so far, and I distinctly remember hoping that the interviewers could not see my hands shaking! Thankfully, the interview went my way, and I was offered the role.

At the time, it felt like a significant decision. By accepting the role, I was choosing to focus my training on litigation rather than rotating through different practice areas. After a lot of thought, and plenty of conversations with my parents, I realised that I was completely comfortable with that decision. One of the things I had come to appreciate most about litigation was just how varied it can be. For me, the opportunity to continue developing within a team and a practice area that I already knew I loved outweighed the opportunity to experience different areas of law.

I am now just over a month into my training contract, and I am thoroughly enjoying the experience so far. I have already had opportunities to become more involved in matters and, just this week, attended my second Joint Consultation as a Trainee Solicitor.

It is strange to think that, having only just started my training contract, I already know where I will be qualifying. Rather than feeling as though I am missing out by knowing so early, I feel incredibly fortunate to have found an area of law, and a team, where I can genuinely see myself building my career.

Interested in a future career at Shoosmiths?

We are currently redesigning our emerging talent pathways and expect to relaunch recruitment in autumn 2027.

In the meantime, you can subscribe to our careers updates to hear about future opportunities, events and news from our Emerging Talent team.