Insight from Radwan Mohamed, LLB Graduate

Radwan joined Burley Law for a September internship, where he experienced the realities of legal practice across intellectual property, commercial and employment law. Here, he reflects on what he learnt and how the experience shaped his career aspirations.

What is a Legal Internship? 

A legal internship provides invaluable insight into the reality of how a law firm operates and offers a true flavour of the work available within the legal profession. An internship is a two-way process, allowing a firm to assess your fit while also giving you the opportunity to determine whether the firm’s practice areas, culture, values, and approach to work life balance align with your own professional goals.

Personal Experience 

My internship at Burley Law, a specialist firm specialising in intellectual property, commercial, data protection (GDPR), employment law and HR, allowed me to see firsthand how a focused practice area promotes depth, precision, and quality over quantity. Burley Law stood out for its client-centred approach, going beyond expectations, treating clients like family, and always acting in their best interests by providing straightforward, transparent, and practical legal solutions.

Throughout my internship, I gained exposure to both the legal and business operations of the firm, a rare opportunity often unavailable in larger practices where such functions are managed by separate departments. Working within a small niche firm, though small only in team size, offered a highly collaborative environment with a varied workload, household name clients, and international links, making it an invaluable and well-rounded learning experience. 

I had the opportunity to sit in on client meetings, both online and in person, observing how experienced solicitors communicate, ask the right questions, and obtain key information to provide effective legal advice. The firm’s supportive environment, with director (Des Burley), co-director (Liz Burley) and paralegals offering bespoke career guidance and insight into the skills required to become a competent solicitor, helped me develop confidence and refine essential abilities such as communication, drafting, legal writing, and analytical reasoning.

Beyond legal work, I also took part in invoicing, financing, marketing, and networking events, which strengthened my commercial awareness and understanding of how client relationships are formed and maintained. I learnt about financial operations and how the firm remains cohesive using technology and case management systems to ensure files are organised. I was impressed by the firm being sustainable in moving away from paper into digital platforms. 

Communication and Networking

The impact of COVID-19 on youth confidence and social interaction cannot be overlooked, and for me, this internship played a pivotal role in improving my self-esteem within a professional legal setting. It offered me countless opportunities to engage with colleagues, clients, and external third parties, particularly during networking events such as the FareShare charity initiative and the West Midlands Cyber Hub partnership. These experiences became a highlight of my internship, as I witnessed firsthand the importance of networking in building relationships, not only with potential clients but also with those striving to make the legal industry stronger and more collaborative.

This internship taught me the key skills necessary to become a competent solicitor and provided the space to practise and refine these skills in a real-world context. Surrounded by experienced, critically thinking lawyers with creative and solution-based mindsets, I was inspired to think beyond the black and white letter of the law and to approach challenges with innovation and empathy. From this experience, I walk away with a deeper understanding that in legal practice, the law itself is often the easiest part, and it is the so-called ‘soft skills,’ combined with resilience, adaptability, and determination, that truly define success in the legal profession. 

Is Law the Right Path for You?

I highly recommend applying to Burley Law for work experience or a legal internship, as it offers invaluable exposure and the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals. A legal internship provides practical insight into the profession, helping you assess whether the firm’s culture and working environment align with your personal and professional goals, and whether a career in law is truly right for you.