Under the microscope: Adam Kelly, Trainee Solicitor

Under the microscope here is Adam Kelly who is a Trainee Solicitor.

We get asked numerous questions about what it’s like to work at Riverview Law so we decided to profile some of the different roles throughout our business. We have published a series of case studies on Riverview Law employees which will give you a feel for the people within our business, the roles they undertake and what it’s like to work here.

Me: Adam Kelly

My role: I started at Riverview Law as a Business Law Executive and recently became one of the first 7 people at Riverview Law to be awarded a Training Contract.

What I did before joining:

Prior to joining Riverview I was studying the LPC at BPP Liverpool. My studies on the LPC were highly geared towards commercial law and so it really was great timing to land the job so soon after law school. I think that part of the reason young lawyers are seldom given responsibility early on in their career is because of the delay between the end of legal study and the beginning of proper legal practice. As soon as I started at Riverview I was servicing a FTSE 100 from day 1 and was able to put my knowledge directly into practice with hands on experience and the law fresh in my mind.

Why I joined:

Riverview struck me as the Google of the legal profession. Innovation was clearly high on the agenda and it is a business that’s pushing the boundaries and changing attitudes. My experience in the profession was one bound by tradition where innovation was reserved for the ancient lawyer at the top of the tower. Typically lawyers are not considered innovators but Riverview changed that for me and continues to change those attitudes in the profession. It had a bright and refreshing approach to legal services - that immediately grabbed my attention. I also felt that I had a chance to make my mark on the business and to be creative from the beginning.

What surprised me most in my first week at Riverview Law:

It is made crystal clear from the beginning that you, as an individual, are a key part of the business and can really make a difference. I wasn’t expecting such an open plan, dynamic environment where everyone is so accessible. That was a welcome change to most law firms.

What I’ve learnt since joining:

I’ve advised on over £50m worth of commercial transactions both domestic and overseas. I wouldn’t have been able to do that anywhere else at this stage in my career. Support is there for you at all times and that’s why Riverview’s young lawyers excel. We are literally sitting in and amongst experts – there are no offices or cubicles, we’re all in one place. Riverview is always looking to nurture talent internally. What’s interesting is that you can learn about the other roles in the business and give your career a new direction if you choose to – Riverview will facilitate it. From software development to client management and HR, people often move around and gain great experience from our diversity. As an example, I’m currently learning the basics of software coding from one of our programmers!

What I enjoy most about my job:

I enjoy the client contact and managing my own cases. My role involves a lot of legal and commercial negotiations and I find that aspect of my work thrilling. I also enjoy working from customer premises through our immersion plan and really getting to know our customers’ businesses and approach. I was recently involved in a series of high value software purchases in Hong Kong and got to work with some fantastic people and stakeholders across the business. Our work is global and our presence in the market is expanding – it’s an exciting place to be.

How Riverview Law compares with other places I’ve worked:

I have never worked in such a lively office where everyone is connected on both a professional and personal level. Riverview values its personalities and everyone who visits comments on our culture. The organisation recognises that you’re a person first and a lawyer second; that you have a social life and need to enjoy your work in order to excel at it. We even have a pool table and an ice cream freezer – key differentiators for me. Our socials are some of the best I’ve been to and are put together by our fantastic social committee! It’s a vibrant place and it is changing every day.

Why I’m still here:

First and foremost – the people! Our teams aren’t service delivery vehicles, they’re friendship groups. I can honestly say that I would gladly share a pint with every single member of the Riverview team bar none. You’re also treated as a valued professional, no matter your level of experience, practice area or lawyer/non-lawyer. Everyone has their own background and experience which creates a diverse group of interesting people who bring that into work. It is because of our people that we’re ahead of the curve and at the forefront of developments in the legal market. You get that feeling when you walk through our doors – it truly is an exciting place to work.

What I’d say to potential applicants:

You absolutely have to apply. We’re not paying lip service when we say “be yourself”. We mean it. Your legal knowledge and experience is a given; we want fantastic lawyers, but what can you offer over and above that? That’s what our customers ask of us and why they’re working with us – added value. Show off your personality and just be you. If you don’t like what we have to offer, I would be incredibly surprised – but you’ll get a free ice cream in the process.