Summer Internship: Sofia Ebhodaghe
“This summer, I embarked on a profoundly enriching internship at AdamBenedict, assuming the role of a paralegal.
I had the privilege of immersing myself in a diverse spectrum of legal cases spanning various practice areas, including employment, insolvency, and litigation. This enabled me to go beyond what I had learnt in my studies, picking up new legal concepts and terminology along the way, which Adam or other interns frequently took the time to explain. My engagement with litigation, in particular, captivated my interest, owing to its dynamic and fast-paced nature. This entailed swiftly acquainting myself with the factual background of a dispute, drawing out the relevant information and finding supporting evidence and authority to strengthen our clients’ case. The resultant insights empowered me to draft letters, particulars of claim and settlement agreements. Through these tasks, I was able to sharpen my research, writing and analytical skills, which will no doubt be handy in my future legal career.
Working alongside Adam in litigious disputes has also been revealing because I was able to observe how to interact with clients in a nurturing yet transparent manner as a solicitor, which has allowed the firm to foster strong client relationships and build a respectable reputation despite being relatively new.
Admittedly, grappling with unfamiliar tasks, often beyond the precincts of my prior knowledge, was initially daunting. However, under the mentorship of Adam, I was encouraged to get out of my comfort zone and stretch my potential. Where I used to spend time fixating over a task before attempting to do it, I was forced to challenge myself during the internship, recognizing that imperfection in initial attempts is a stepping stone toward growth, an ethos frequently reinforced by Adam. I can safely say that my self-confidence and capacity for resilience has grown massively during my internship at AdamBenedict.
Among the myriad of memorable experiences, attending court on two occasions and shadowing barristers that Ben had connections to in the industry stands out prominently. The first, a Plevin case centred around PPI disclosure, transpired at a local County Court, while the second unfolded at the City of London County Court within the majestic Royal Courts of Justice and pertained to a strike out claim in the context of a building development contract.
These instances not only unveiled the intricate workings of judicial proceedings but also afforded me the privilege of acquainting myself with seasoned barristers. Witnessing both barristers’ meticulous preparation before going to court, their sensitive management of client expectations and eloquent articulation of arguments during the proceedings exhibited the multifaceted essence of their advocacy role. It was also fascinating to witness the adversarial nature of advocacy showcased through the passionate and persuasive submissions of the opposing sides. This exposure further revealed the symbiotic relationship between barristers and solicitors, often portrayed as separate in academic settings, whereas in practice, solicitors must extract the requisite information and evidence from clients to empower barristers in their endeavour to present a compelling case before the judge. Furthermore, the astute interventions and inquiries posed by the judges during witness testimonies and submissions served as a testament to the overarching commitment to due process and the discerning construction of their final judgments.
In summation, I am extremely grateful to Adam and Ben for providing this incredible experience, emblematic of their dedication to granting opportunities and fostering young talent within an industry known for its formidable entry barriers. Following this internship, I am eager to utilise my newfound insights and knowledge as I continue to pursue excellence in both my academic and professional pursuits.”
- Sofia Ebhodaghe
