Pallabi Shakya

What do you enjoy most about working at Capsticks?

There are three main reasons I enjoy working at Capsticks; the people, the flexibility and the environment.

Firstly, the people are who make Capsticks the firm it is. Not only is everyone lovely internally, but they’re also willing to go the extra mile to ensure that the work for the client is completed to the highest standard. This drive for excellence is what continues to develop me every day as a trainee and will eventually shape me into a Capsticks lawyer.

Secondly, the flexibility the firm offers is something I am truly grateful for. The flexibility has given me a good work-life balance and I’ve been able to continue hobbies, which I picked up during the pandemic, as well as seeing friends and family more often, which is something I wasn't able to do as much before working from home was introduced.

Lastly, the environment throughout the firm feels safe and secure. I’m given opportunities to work independently and consider my own strategies for cases, but also have support from my colleagues when I need it. Capsticks creates opportunities for a range of fee earners to work with each other and having been a paralegal, and at present a trainee, working with a variety of lawyers has been fundamental to my growth.

What made you want to become a lawyer?

I didn't know I wanted to be a lawyer until I joined Capsticks and worked with our main client, NHS Resolution. I had always imagined law to be about 'a winner' and 'a loser', but the key principle of our client is to find a fair resolution for all parties and this is a value which resonated with me. It’s because of this, and despite being on the defending side, this job brings me satisfaction – because I know the work I’m doing will ultimately lead to a fair result, with some cases being a good outcome for both the claimant and the defendant.

Describe your career journey e.g. how you got into law / the legal sector, what helped you that might help others coming up, any challenges you faced and how you overcame them etc., and whether Capsticks helped in any way.

I’ve worked at Capsticks since I finished university and initially I applied for work experience at the firm. The HR team signposted me to the paralegal job opening and here I am now, a trainee at the firm.

The advice I would give someone who is looking to get into the legal sector is, just say yes to everything and get stuck in. Working for Capsticks and having a 'yes' mentality has given me invaluable opportunities. These range from first-hand experiences with the client, presenting webinars and talks, and being given the chance to network with likeminded individuals in the same area of law.