From Undergraduate to Fully Qualified Solicitor

Four years after first joining The Family Law Company in Exeter as a secretary, Nahanni Simcox has qualified as a Solicitor.

Her journey shows not just the commitment needed by an individual, but also how important it is to have support from within the legal sector.

Nahanni, who has always lived in the region, studied Law at Plymouth University before her stint as a secretary in the Private Children team at Balliol House. Just three months later she decided to continue pursuing a legal career and enrolled onto the Legal Practice Course with a Masters in Law, Business & Management though the University of Law, Exeter campus.

During her studies she worked part time in the client call team at The Family Law Company, then returned as a full time Paralegal which included a day within the Care team, giving her additional experience in this area of law. Nahanni submitted a proposal to the Board for a training contract which was agreed; 18 months later she became a Solicitor.

She said: “I’ve always wanted to work within family law – in my second year as a student I was part of a pro bono clinic offering guidance to the public and students, helping people out of often traumatic situations. I knew I wanted to specialise in an area of law where I could help people”.

Nahanni accepted a post qualification contract with The Family Law Company and is now working in the Divorce & Finance, Domestic Abuse as well as Private Children teams. She has yet to choose her preferred specialism, sensibly wanting to gain more experience before applying for panel membership and accreditations.

She says she is well supported not just by her colleagues at The Family Law Company, but the Devon & Somerset Junior Lawyers Division (JLD) where she is on the committee. “As the only trainee at The Family Law Company’s Exeter offices it was great to have extra support via JLD, and to continue connecting with other young lawyers in the area.”

Director Rachel Buckley said: “A huge congratulations to Nahanni – she has shown immense commitment especially through the two years of the pandemic to achieve her qualification.

“We are delighted she is now one of our excellent team of lawyers and look forward to seeing how she progresses in her career with us.”