Meet Our Trainee Solicitors: Larissa & Joel Share Their Career Journeys at Hibberts

At Hibberts, we’re proud to support the next generation of legal professionals and our trainee solicitors are an essential part of our team, bringing fresh perspectives, dedication, and ambition to every department they work in. We’re delighted to introduce two of our current trainee solicitors, Larissa and Joel, as they share their unique journeys into law, their experiences at Hibberts, and what inspires them both inside and outside of work.

Larissa – Trainee Solicitor, Agriculture Department

From School Law Clubs to a Legal Career

Larissa’s passion for law began early. A love of History and Politics naturally led her toward the legal field, and by the age of 15, she had already completed her first work experience at an employment law firm, followed by a placement at Hibberts.

Inspired by those experiences, Larissa took the initiative to launch a Law Club at school, creating opportunities for herself and others to explore legal concepts. She later pursued a Law degree at the University of Birmingham, graduating with a 2:1, and followed this with a Distinction in both the LPC and Master’s in Law, Business, and Management from the University of Law.

Throughout her academic journey, Larissa remained committed to hands-on experience: she ran a university Law Society, volunteered at the Birmingham People’s Centre offering employment law advice, and competed in negotiation competitions. After travelling post-graduation, she returned to the legal world as a paralegal and began her training contract with Hibberts in April 2024. She is set to qualify in April 2026.

A Supportive Start in the Legal Profession

Larissa describes her time at Hibberts as “supportive, challenging, and full of opportunities.” She’s been given real responsibility from the start, with extensive exposure to clients, court processes, solicitors, and property transactions. Working in the Agriculture Department, Larissa enjoys the variety each day brings — whether she’s sitting in on client meetings, drafting documents, or assisting with property exchanges and completions. She especially values the welcoming, collaborative team environment.

Looking Ahead

Larissa is focused on qualifying and continuing to grow within Hibberts, with the goal of becoming the best solicitor she can be. Outside of work, she’s a passionate traveller who has explored Asia, Europe, and Australia. She also enjoys cooking (especially Asian cuisine), Pilates, meditation, reading, and spending time with family and friends.

Joel – Trainee Solicitor, Employment Law Department (Previously Agricultural Law)

Inspired by Family and Fuelled by Experience

Joel’s legal journey was sparked by his older brother’s studies in law. Motivated by this early influence, Joel enrolled at the University of Manchester in 2019 to study Law, graduating with a First-Class degree in 2022.

Keen to build his legal and leadership skills, Joel undertook four voluntary roles in his final year — from serving as Communications Officer for the university’s large law society to mentoring other students and advising real clients through his work as a student legal advisor. He then completed the LLM LPC at BPP University, graduating with a Distinction.

Hands-On Learning in a Collaborative Setting

Joel joined Hibberts in September 2024 and is due to qualify in September 2026. His experience at Hibberts has been dynamic and enriching. He’s rotated through different departments, gaining insight into diverse areas of law and benefitting from strong, supportive supervision. From client meetings and onboarding new enquiries, to drafting documents and undertaking legal research, each day brings fresh learning and development opportunities.

What he values most is the real-world impact — helping people through important life events, and doing so alongside a team that encourages personal and professional growth.

Future Goals

Joel is focused on qualifying and carving out a solid foundation within his chosen department. He hopes to build a reputation for excellence and trust among clients and to continue developing his expertise.

Outside the Office

When he’s not working, Joel enjoys live music, travel, countryside walks with his cocker spaniel Nova, and catching up with friends and family.

Supporting the Next Generation of Legal Talent

At Hibberts, our trainee programme is designed to equip aspiring solicitors like Larissa and Joel with the skills, confidence, and experience they need to succeed. We’re proud to be part of their journey and excited to see what their futures hold — both within our firm and in the wider legal world.