Meet Harry Murphy, a Shoosmiths trainee solicitor. In this blog, Harry reflects on his journey into law and shares insights to inspire others to explore the opportunities Shoosmiths offers.
Published: 19 January 2026
Author: Harry Murphy
Three years ago, I joined one of Shoosmiths’ virtual Insight Events as an applicant with a non-law degree, curious about what a transition into the legal profession might look like. I wanted to understand the firm’s culture, the type of work involved, and whether my existing skills could be applied in a legal context. The Insight Event session showed me that converting to law was not only possible, but that Shoosmiths offered the opportunities and support to make it happen.
Fast forward through a conversion course and successfully passing the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), and I’ve just presented to around 450 future candidates at the very same event as part of the trainee panel.
An introduction to Shoosmiths
When I joined the Insight Event as an interested future candidate, one thing that really stood out was hearing about Shoosmiths’ plans for growth. Shoosmiths’ leadership have an ambitious strategy for expanding the firm’s corporate offerings and strengthening its position within chosen sectors. For someone coming from a non-law background, it was reassuring to see how much thought went into shaping the future of the firm.
When choosing which firms to apply for, I knew I wanted a firm that combined a brilliant culture with high-quality work. Hearing partners and solicitors speak so openly about Shoosmiths’ values and approach gave me confidence that this was the right environment for me. It wasn’t just about technical excellence; it was about collaboration, support, and innovation.
Fast forward two years, and I’ve seen those plans in action. The growth has been incredible, and you can feel the impact across the business. Shoosmiths strikes a balance between being forward-thinking and delivering high quality work, while remaining approachable at every level. That combination is what makes the strategy work, and as a trainee, it is exciting to be part of a firm that’s genuinely moving forward.
Hearing the experiences of a secondee
During the event, a trainee spoke about their client secondment experience. When applying to the firm, the secondments being offered demonstrated the high calibre of client Shoosmiths works with.
Now as a trainee, I see how valuable a client secondment can be.. They provide an excellent opportunity to understand the client’s perspective and how we advise on legal matters.
Learning the most effective way to communicate with others was a valuable insight by the trainee. A secondment helpsbuild commercial awareness and offers exposure to many areas of law simultaneously. Hearing such positive reviews from those which have done a secondment means I am looking forward applying for one within my own training contract.
The trainee panel
In a full-circle moment, this year I spoke at the trainee panel myself. I remembered hearing trainees talk about life at the firm, how the culture and client approachability make it such an interesting place to work, and the high-level technical work you can taken on as a trainee. I was pleased to echo much of this sentiment myself.
In my first seat within construction, I have worked directly with both the partner in the team and national head of construction. That level of exposure has accelerated my technical development and allowed me to take on tasks that really challenge me. It is a testament to the firm’s supportive culture; everyone takes the time to make you feel welcome and give you opportunities to develop.
The application process
The event ended with practical tips for making your application shine. The advice given today echoes that shared three years ago: apply to a firm which aligns with your personal values and offers work you are genuinely interested in. Today, artificial intelligence (AI) plays a role in the application process, which requires genuine thought to be used ethically. Authenticity is key in an application, and AI can dilute this if used carelessly.
Attending a Shoosmiths Insight Event as an applicant gave me clarity on the legal profession and the application process. Taking part in the events as a trainee has shown me how much I have learned, and I look forward to continuing my journey as a solicitor.
If you are considering applying to Shoosmiths, take every opportunity to learn, ask questions, and show your enthusiasm. You never know where this might lead!
Explore more of our recent blogs for insights and inspiration. If you have questions, our FAQ page is a great place to start.
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