Madeleine Coles

Current Employer/Organisation Name

Lyons Bowe

What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?

Since leaving Exeter I have been working as a Residential Conveyancing Legal Assistant at Lyons Bowe Solicitors in their Exchange and Completion department based in Shepton Mallet, Somerset. Alongside work, I also enjoy participating in both Devon & Somerset Law Society and The Medico-Legal Society meetings and lectures on a range of legal topics to broaden my knowledge. Since graduating, to keep active I have taken up Kickboxing classes too with a local club and am advancing through the belt ranks. 

Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?

Having studied Law at A-Level and again at Degree level, I’d known for a while that I wanted a career in Law. In my current job, I enjoy taking what I learnt in modules such as Land Law and applying that knowledge in a practical setting. The sense of fulfilment is also a big motivation, as I am able to help navigate clients though the complicated process of buying or selling properties and be part of this significant moment in people’s lives. 

What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?

I loved the last year of my course when I was able to choose which modules I studied. Medical Ethics lectures were a highlight of my studies. I found it fascinating and the lectures were so knowledgeable in their field that seminars were a place for great in-depth academic discussions. 

What did you most enjoy about studying here?

I really liked how friendly everyone at Exeter is. The thought of moving to a new City by yourself is scary, but everyone is in the same boat. Nobody from my previous School or College went to Exeter, but through joining societies and attending lectures/seminars I was able to meet so many new people. The friends I made in my first year accommodation I am still friends with now. 

Why did you choose to study at Exeter?

Because I live in Somerset, I wanted to attend a University that wasn’t too far, but also not too close from home. Exeter was the perfect choice because of it’s great transport links. I had attended an Open Day at Exeter before starting and got a really good feeling about the place. I love how it is a campus university and the grounds are surrounded by green areas. 

What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?

Communication skills are pivotal for not just a legal career, but any future jobs. Don’t be afraid to speak up in seminars as this will only grow your confidence in public speaking and communicating well. I talk to clients daily and the more I do it, the better I become. Another skill is commercial awareness. In my current role, keeping up-to-date with the property market, interest rates, and local economic factors means I can provide better advice to clients and explain any delays in broader context. 

What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?

My biggest piece of advice would be to gain as much practical experience as you can. Whether it be a couple of days shadowing a legal professional in a law firm, or simply spending a day sat in the public gallery of a court room, anything that you can relate to the career you want will be helpful. I joined lots of societies such as The Medico-Legal and Devon & Somerset Law Societies which gave me a broad understanding of lots of different legal topics. Don’t just look for experience in one very specific area of law, broaden your scope and be open to trying other areas. When applying for roles in the future, many firms will be interested in seeing that you’ve done things to complement your studies. Law can be fast paced, but it’s so rewarding. 

What are your plans for the future?

Ultimately I would like to qualify as a Solicitor and work in a medical negligence or some medico-legal related field. I have lived in a small town my whole life (apart from when I studied at Exeter) and I am now back working in the same town. I am therefore interested in eventually moving to the capital and for a more high-pace lifestyle. As I am currently in Conveyancing which I am still enjoying nonetheless, I would first like to qualify as a Licensed Conveyancer and continue the property work I am doing at the moment.