Ahmed Akapo

What was it that attracted you to Capsticks before you joined?

I was attracted to Capsticks because of their values as a firm and the various sectors of law they specialised in. I was particularly drawn to the housing sector because of their achievements and growth in recent years.

What has your training been like?

I have recently completed a seat in the housing management team acting for clients in obtaining possession or injunction orders, where there has been a breach in the tenancy agreement by the tenant. This was my first time dealing with a contentious side of law and I was given the opportunity to be involved in the interesting cases the team were working on at the time.

During my time in housing management and housing development, the teams were very supportive and welcoming. I had the opportunity of attending client meetings and legal surgeries where the clients gave first-hand insight into their encounters with the tenant whilst working through the legal options available to help them reach their desired outcome on each case.

I am studying the LPC part-time alongside the training contact and the HR team within Capsticks have been very supportive of my training from scheduling regular catch-ups, to providing increased study–leave and financial support on the course.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I enjoy the amount of client exposure I am afforded within the team. I have contact with clients on a daily basis to discuss the position of on-going cases, arrange meetings and at times organise charity events with the clients.

I also enjoy the open plan nature of the firm as it allows me to have daily interactions with the senior members of the team. I currently sit on a pod with a partner, an associate, a senior solicitor and a paralegal all working on separate cases as well as together on certain projects.

What advice would you give to future trainees?

My advice to future trainees would be to obtain legal experience before starting a training contract. I was a case handler before I started my training contract and the experience I gained really helped me settle in when I started my training.