I didn’t have a clear picture about what life as a trainee in a legal aid firm would be like, but I wanted to help people who found themselves in difficult situations and could see no way out. In large part, this has been my experience.

I started my training contract just under a year ago with a legal aid firm in Harlesden, northwest London. One of my first observations was the desperation of my clients — usually they had been charged with a criminal offence or had a family law problem. They had no one else to turn to and it was interesting to see the sense of empowerment they got by being able to have a lawyer.

I’ve resolved some of these clients’ cases in their favour and the experience reminds me why I wanted to be a legal aid lawyer. The most satisfying cases have been those representing female clients on applications for domestic violence injunctions. I’m pleased that, in most cases, the application has meant the abuse coming to an end.

The downside to legal aid law (the low pay is a given) are the limitations that the Legal Services Commission place on firms. I find it hard to turn clients away because my firm is either not franchised in a particular area of law or the client marginally fails the means test. A large number of injustices occur as a result of this because there is rarely an alternative source of help. If legal aid is to remain sustainable, low pay rates and bureaucracy must be addressed.

Unlike many of my City law counterparts, I enjoy life as a trainee. Not only is the work intellectually challenging, but I feel that I’m making a difference as well.

The author is at Alexander & Partners Solicitors and one of the founding members of the Young Legal Aid Lawyers Group

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