At Hamers, we pride ourselves on providing friendly, local law. It’s our speciality.
We cut through the legal jargon to provide you with a straightforward and personal experience.
To help you get to know our team better, we’ve launched the “Hang out with Hamers” series.
In this feature, we’re catching up with Solicitor Apprentice, Katie Ombler.
Q) Tell us about your role at Hamers – what does a typical day look like?
I work in the Company Commercial department alongside Partner Paul Worthy and our department deals with areas such as company sales, leases, share purchases and much more.
I try to get into the office early and start the day by checking my calendar and emails, and having a coffee of course! Each day is different, but my main roles include drafting and amending documents, seeing to due diligence enquiries and investigating companies on purchases.
Alongside my work I’m also completing a Solicitor Apprenticeship. Although I’ve always had an interest in law, I didn’t enjoy classroom learning and knew I didn’t want to go to university.
Until recently there wasn’t a way for people to become a fully-fledged solicitor without going to university, but the Solicitor Apprenticeship which launched in 2016 allows people to study while working and getting first-hand experience.
The team at Hamers have been really supportive and encouraging, and I’d encourage other people who are interested in a career in law, but are put off by the prospect of university to consider an apprenticeship.
Q) What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy how varied the role is. Every day is different and we get to meet so many different people.
It’s really interesting to speak to people at the various businesses we work with and learn more about their journey and how different businesses are run.
I also love the culture at Hamers, everyone is so friendly and the firm is really embedded into the local community, supporting local charities and groups which is great to be part of.
Q) What do you like to do when you’re not at work?
I love to travel and have done a few solo trips, from the Peak District to Mexico!
I’m also a bit of an adrenaline junkie and recently got my motorbike licence so I like to be out on my motorbike, especially on a nice day.
Q) What’s one thing your colleagues wouldn’t know about you?
That I can play the guitar, sing and write my own music! I’ve actually been on local radio stations in the past.
I’d describe my music style as folk pop, country and acoustic.
Quick-fire Questions
Q) You can invite any three people – dead or alive – to dinner. Who’s at the table?
The first person I’d choose would be David Attenborough because I bet he’s got a lot of interesting stories to tell.
Secondly, I’d have Ainsley Harriott because of his light-hearted sense of humour and he’d be able to cook for us!
Finally, I’d invite Miriam Margoyles. I think she’s hilarious – I know she’d have us all in stitches!
Q) Favourite TV show?
Great British Bake Off – I love Paul Hollywood.
Q) What’s the best place you’ve been on holiday?
I have two! Mexico because of the people, culture, wildlife and food, it’s such a jam-packed place to visit; but I’d also have to say Antigua, because it has 365 beaches, one for every day of the year!
Q) Early bird or night owl?
Early bird, especially on gorgeous day.
Q) If you could win an Olympic gold medal in any sport, what would it be?
Definitely Olympic Weightlifting, I’ve done some at my local CrossFit and really enjoyed it.
Date
06 January, 2025
Author
Phil Winter
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