I have worked in the legal sector for over 17 years and was employed by the same firm for 16 of those years.
In October 2022, I took up an opportunity to accept a promotion and to join another law firm.
This was such a big decision for me. “Was I doing the right thing? I had become very comfortable in the firm where I had worked so long for. The staff were familiar, and I was “part of the furniture”, but, having stepped back, that had become the issue – I had become part of the furniture, simply being overlooked.
Since taking a back step in my career whilst bringing up my two young boys, it was clear that my career had become stale and it was time for me to regain control and step into the limelight once again.
“Would the grass be greener”? I had spoken to a number of colleagues who all asked me the same question, and this most certainly went through my mind. How would I know I was making the right decision. I knew what I could expect working for the firm that I had for so long, but could I push myself out of my comfort zone?
My 2 boys had started full time school and I felt that I was able to start thinking about myself more and taking on extra responsibilities in my career, I was ready to thrive again.
From the first contact with Serious Injury Solicitor, Sam McFadyen at Hudgell Solicitors, my mind was put at rest.
I accepted a role at Hudgells as a Chartered Legal Executive in the Serious Injury team in Hull.
Prior to accepting the role at Hudgells I did my research. I scoured Hudgells’ website and social media platforms to get a feel of the culture of the business and read a number of blogs from staff members who relayed how fulfilling their employment at Hudgells was. It was also really important to hear what their clients thought of the service Hudgells provided as client care is so very important to me. I wanted to work for a company who puts their client at the heart of everything they do. Hudgells’ client reviews were gleaming!
Having worked full-time from my home office for a number of years, I admit that I had turned into a bit of a hermit. Knowing that I would soon be working part-time in Hudgells’ Hull office did cause me some angst, but I was also very excited to return back to the buzz of an office environment and engage in face-to-face adult conversations, as a mum we all know how important that is!!
In preparation for my office days, I trialled a journey in the car from my home to Hull and mocked the car park to the office walk. This was a breeze and made the 1st day slightly less nerve wracking – I knew what to expect, and where I was going!
I met with Sam prior to starting my position. Meeting with Sam made me feel much more comfortable on my first day in the office as I wasn’t walking into an unfamiliar face. I confirmed my start day schedule and what to expect from the office attire! Something which is really important when you have been so used to “home working” wear.
On my first day, with the preparation under my belt, I arrived onsite nice and early and was met by familiar faces. I was introduced to the wider team and shown around the office building.
Starting a new role comes hand in hand with a great deal of training. The process at Hudgells was slick and I was issued with a portfolio of necessary training which I was able to make my way through.
I was introduced to the cases that I would be working on with Sam and thrown right in at the deep end, as on my first day, I visited a new serious injury client who was still in hospital.
Serious injury is my bread and butter and has been for the past 9 years or so. Whilst the concept and foundations of my day-to-day work was relatively similar to my previous role, working for Hudgells is a breath of fresh air. You know what they say, “a change is as good as a rest”, and I for one can vouch for this. Hudgells is a wonderful company to work for, their values form the heart and soul of their staff and I am proud to say that I am employed by such a fantastic firm who stand up for the vulnerable and make #RightingWrongs part of their day to day agenda!
I am very excited to see what my future at Hudgells holds.