Emily Holdstock - Solicitor, Construction

Where did you go to University?

I read Law at Girton College, Cambridge and then did the LPC at College of Law Guildford.

What department did you qualify into?

I qualified into the construction department three months ago having undertaken my training contract at Forsters.

Why construction?

As an NQ, I have a high level of responsibility and exposure to clients and get very good quality work. I spend much of my time reviewing, commenting on and negotiating draft documentation, assisting property with the construction aspects of acquisitions and disposals and drafting a wide range of documents for clients. Our department also deals with contentious construction issues which can involve anything from advising clients on claims for defective workmanship to adjudications, litigation and obtaining injunctions.

It is not unusual to come across well-known firms who don't have a dedicated construction team. Although it is a specialist area, Forsters aims to offer a "full-service" to its property clients and construction advice is a very important aspect of this. Although construction is a relatively small department, I often find myself working alongside (or asking questions of) colleagues in the commercial property, residential property, planning and litigation departments.

Although construction largely involves the law of contract, I often find myself researching all sorts of other areas of law, from copyright to confidentiality. Interpreting contracts and understanding the detail of contractual provisions can be very challenging, which ultimately makes my job more satisfying as every day is different.

What is Forsters like socially?

Forsters is a friendly firm of the size where everyone you pass in the corridor knows your name and will say hello. As a trainee, spending four months in up to six different departments also means you get to know everyone very well, which makes it easier when you need to ask questions of people in other departments. Having met and had a drink with those people at social events also makes life that little bit easier.

Forsters' social scene is very lively with lots of client and internal events throughout the year. In particular, the treasure hunt is not to be missed; it takes place every summer (sometimes in the torrential rain!) and involves running around Mayfair answering questions, finding items and taking photos of slightly odd requests, for example, your team on the back of a London bus or in a bath! Other social events/groups include the qualifier's party, quiz nights, knitting club, yoga, the theatre group, charity committee, book club and softball.

Why did you choose Forsters?

I was interested in Forsters' main specialisms: property and private client. I also knew I didn't want to be a very small fish in a very big pond and I felt like I would get lost in the crowd at a bigger firm. Equally, the six seat training contract appealed because it allowed greater possibilities than the traditional four seat system elsewhere.

It is very common at Forsters to get work direct from partners and the quality of work trainees are exposed to is very high. From day one trainees are treated as a very valuable resource and in many departments it is not unusual for trainees to run their own files. Finally, I think there is a lot to be said for following your instincts. When I came for interviews, met the partners and had a tour of our lovely office with one of the then-current trainees, I realised Forsters was the firm I was looking for.