Hearing he had secured a place in Steele Raymond’s Commercial Property team filled Joel with “immense pride”. He had enjoyed a six-month seat with the team during his training contract, working on headline transactions alongside partners and associates – experience he knew many peers outside the firm never see. When a permanent offer followed, saying yes felt natural.
Joel’s concerns about being relegated to photocopy duty vanished in week one. On a landmark deal opposite a leading City firm, every lawyer he dealt with was an associate or above – and Joel was the only trainee on the file. That opportunity, backed by close supervision, meant he reached qualification already comfortable with complex title reviews, negotiations and direct client contact.
Based in Bournemouth, Joel makes the most of the coast, including many walks down by the beach during lunch breaks. Cutting a potential London commute means evenings are free for family and football – proof that high value commercial property work need not come with city-sized sacrifices.
A flat hierarchy keeps learning fast. “Secretaries, partners, associates – everyone sits together and chats about work and life,” The result is a practice where questions are welcomed and feedback is swift, allowing new solicitors to grow without fear of missteps.
The six-month extension to his final seat let Joel transition smoothly into a qualified role. Today he manages complex commercial property transactions with partner support always in reach. Each promise made during recruitment – meaningful work, personal development, balanced lifestyle – has been honoured, reinforcing Joel’s belief that loyalty runs both ways.
“If you want real responsibility and people who back you, look closely at the culture,” he says. “Steele Raymond trusts you early, teaches you properly and still remembers you are a person first.”
