Meet the team… Beliz Inan

A glimpse into life at RLK. This is our first installment in a series of meet the team interviews.

This week I caught up with Beliz Inan, Beliz joined the firm in December 2022 as a paralegal working across both commercial and insurance litigation. Beliz has recently secured a training contract with us. Great work Beliz!

Beliz has had an impressive start to her career, after extensive studying Beliz started her own business (business partner Leo pictured above) before joining RLK. Beliz has a strong passion for law and is driven by providing the best service to her clients in the fight for justice. Beliz shares some great insights on the best advice she’s received, the importance of a mentor, why patience is key and how she supports her own mental health.

Tell us about your career path.

I studied LLB Law with Criminology at the University of Leicester and graduated with a first-class honours in 2020. Following this, I attended BBP Law School where I completed my postgraduate studies on the LLM Legal Practice (Solicitors) Course. I then spent a year running a successful dog day care venture which included dog walking services before successfully securing a paralegal position at RLK. I have now progressed to secure a training contract to become a qualified solicitor.

Which Department do you work in?

I am a member of the litigation team dealing with both commercial and insurance disputes. I am based in our business interruption insurance department.

How long have you been with RLK?

Having completed my academic studies, I was seeking the next opportunity towards my career aspiration of becoming a lawyer. I previously gained work experience at a national law firm and worked on complex insurance matters which, alongside having studied modules in commercial law and insurance law, increased my interest in such practice areas. I was keen to apply to RLK not only because of the firm’s reputation in dealing with commercial insurance matters, but also given that the firm is at the forefront of legal change, specifically in relation to Covid-19 business interruption claims. Being part of a firm that strives in quality work is important to me and the opportunity to work with highly experienced individuals was not one to pass.

How do you help clients? How do you achieve success in your role? 

Understanding your clients is very important. When faced with a legal issue, it is important to assess the risks of certain decisions to analyse the best possible options for any client. Therefore, advice sought from lawyers isn’t just about the law. Clients want lawyers to understand their needs as a whole as opposed to merely the legal aspect of an issue. I think generally being commercially aware is an important skill to have as advice to clients’ needs to be tailored which forms a solid foundation to build client relationships.

What do you love most about what you do?

The people that you meet along the way and building a supportive network.

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

“keep your eyes to the sky, never glued to your shoes” – no matter the obstacles you face on your journey, I think it’s important to keep looking ahead as opportunities are all around us. Sometimes you may need to take a moment to focus your thoughts, but every step counts and never lose sight of your dreams and aspirations.

Do you have a mentor? If so, tell us about them.

I was fortunate to have a few mentors over the years, especially throughout university. In particular, during my second year at university, I was selected onto a mentoring programme where I was partnered with a qualified solicitor. She provided me with objective advice and support which to this day, I am very grateful for. I think it’s important to build connections and network with professionals in the sector, especially if you are at the start of your career. Such connections can really help you to understand the profession and to learn and grow. Having said this, I became a mentor during my final year at university where I provided support to first year law students for learning, career development and academic success.

What’s one bit of advice you would give others looking to get into Law?

It might sounds simple, but I think being patient is important. The legal sector is large, fast paced and highly competitive. Whilst there are many different types of practice areas, I think it’s important to gain experience in a wide range of areas to really understand the work involved as well as to determine what your interests are. Taking on various opportunities will help you build your career and the right position for you will present itself with time. It’s not always going to be a straight path and everyone will take a different journey. But in the end, you will make it.

Tell us a surprising or a fun fact about you

I love Halloween and I think the team can confirm this considering my funky themed desk with pumpkin lights and my coffin shaped mug!

What do you do to support your mental health?

I think having a work life balance is essential to support your mental health. Personally, I attend the gym 6 times a week and like to keep active. I also have a few hobbies such as playing tennis and attending drumming school at the weekends. I think being active is a great way to support your mental health as it helps you set challenges for yourself and achieve them. However, I think it’s important to remember that good days won’t always look the same as we don’t always have the same levels of energy or motivation. Do what’s right for you, what you enjoy and always be kind to yourself.

If you think life at RLK sounds like a bit of you – take a look at the latest opportunities on our website. Start your journey with us today!