Joshua Hayes

Joshua Hayes is a Trainee Solicitor at CooperBurnett LLP. He successfully obtained a paralegal placement with the firm whilst still a student at Kent and is now studying to complete his first solicitor qualification exam.

Tell us about your career path since graduation.

As part of my course at Kent, I was successful in obtaining a paralegal placement at CooperBurnett LLP. This allowed me to work at the firm for two days a week, whilst focusing on studying at the university on my three remaining days.

After being a paralegal for about a year I was given a training contract with the firm. I am now studying for the first solicitor qualifying exam, which I aim to pass next year.

What does a typical work day look like for you?

The nature of a training contract means that I have worked across various departments within the firm. I currently sit in the corporate and commercial department, so my workload involves advising shareholders and reviewing corporate contracts with the assistance of a qualified solicitor.

Can you share a professional highlight from your career so far?

As a member of first cohort of students taking the MLaw pathway at Kent, a true professional highlight was that my work on the course enabled me to not only graduate with a first class degree but also gain a training contract from a respected law firm.

How did your time at Kent help you achieve your current career?

Kent’s MLaw programme has been fundamental to my academic and professional successes. Working at CooperBurnett alongside my studies allowed me gain practical experience and put my textbook learning into practice.

What advice would you give to our current/prospective students who are looking to get into the same line of work?

Persistence is key! As law is such a competitive industry, being able to accept rejection and move on will be imperative.

It is also important to understand that law firms are businesses with economic pressures imposed on them. Having a level of commercial awareness is something that can really separate you from other applicants.

Do you have a favourite memory from your time at Kent?

Receiving my dissertation mark and realising I had graduated with first class honours was particularly special.

I was also fortunate to meet a representative from the law firm where I am now employed at the Kent Law Fair in my first year. This full circle moment is definitely another favourite memory!

Is there anything you would do differently if you could repeat your time at Kent?

I think I would reiterate to myself that studying to become a solicitor is a marathon and not a sprint.

At times it can feel overwhelming to be completing assessments every week but the journey to becoming the best lawyer you can be will take many, many years. It is, therefore, important to have a holistic view of your academic journey whilst at university.

Are you still in touch with other Kent alumni or academics?

I am still in touch with Darren Weir and Emek Delibas, both of whom are Senior Lecturers at the Law School.

What are your future ambitions?

I want to become the best lawyer I can be. 

Thankfully, CooperBurnett feels like somewhere I can really achieve this ambition.