I decided to apply for a secondment to the Association of Consumer Support Organisations (ACSO) as part of my training contract to gain a greater understanding of the legal services market and gain experience the legal sector in a different way to a ‘traditional’ training contract seat. Over the last six months I can confidently say I have experienced and learnt more from the secondment than I expected. I have been given the opportunity to attend multiple meetings with regulatory bodies to gain a greater understanding how legal services are regulated and provided with invaluable insights into how legal market operates, notably the operation of Legal Expenses Insurance.
I have undertaken in depth-research tasks and drafted multiple insight papers to help keep ACSO members up to date with current legal affairs. I have also been asked to analyse information, including data used in ACSO’s recent collaboration with Express Solicitors regarding the ‘postcode lottery’ nature of court delays. It was a highlight of my time at ACSO to see everyone’s work on this be reported in The Times, the Law Society Gazette and elsewhere.
One of the most rewarding experiences was helping ACSO respond to multiple consultations held by the government, the Solicitors Regulatory Authority and the Legal Services Board. For example, I was asked to research and write ACSO’s response to the recent Ministry of Justice consultation on introducing mandatory mediation into private family law. As part of this process, I had the opportunity to interview multiple senior solicitors to inform further ACSO’s response. The freedom and trust given to me to produce a report on an area of law where I have a personal interest was another highlight of my time at ACSO, and I am grateful to the team for allowing me to pursue my interests and develop my skills through the experience.
As my time with ACSO comes to an end, I can truly say is that I will miss not only the team but the work. I would certainly recommend the secondment programme to other trainee solicitors at Lyons Davidson, and trainees at other ACSO members who take part in the programme. The secondment is a great opportunity to see how the law operates in a unique way. My experience at ACSO will be invaluable as I start the final year of my training contract and my career post-qualification.
I will always be grateful for the support and guidance of the ACSO team during my time with them and I hope regularly to cross paths with them throughout my career.