Meet The team…….  Nazia Latif 

Next in our Meet the Team series is Nazia Latif. Nazia is one of our trainee solicitors at RLK. The legal sector has shifted massively in the past few years, so I sat down with Nazia to find out why she wanted to train with a firm like RLK and how she’s finding her feet.  

How long have you been with RLK? 

I joined RLK in November 2023 and began my training contract in January 2024. 

What made you choose RLK? 

I joined RLK as the prospect of working for a growing firm with a great reputation is something that appealed to me. I knew that working for a firm like RLK would allow me to gain hands-on experience and provide me with the necessary skills required of a solicitor. 

Which Department do you work in? 

I am currently completing my training seat in litigation and work within our business interruption insurance department. 

How do you help clients and succeed in your role? 

It is important to be able to build a good rapport with clients and keep them updated throughout the process. Clients can often find the complexities of the law and legal jargon overwhelming. Being able to explain the process and the next steps of a claim to the client in a clear and concise manner can often enable a much smoother process. 

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? 

The best advice I have received is that “everyone makes mistakes, but the important part is that you learn from them”. Starting a new role can be daunting and the pressure of not wanting to make mistakes can often prevent you from performing to the best of your ability. I know now that every mistake is a learning opportunity and I try to ensure that I focus on steps that can be taken to ensure I don’t repeat the same mistake twice. 

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

I do not really have a mentor per se, but a person whom I have always looked to for support and guidance is my Dad. He emigrated to the UK from Pakistan at the age of 15 and through his continued hard work and determination runs a successful business. I have always looked to him for inspiration and have learnt that success is always possible if you have a strong work ethic, motivation and you are willing to take risks. 

Tell us about your career path? 

I graduated from the London School of Economics in 2012 with a degree in Management Sciences. I then went on to work as a Retail Buyer for an independent retailer, which allowed me to travel to China for the purposes of stock import. After working in the retail sector for over 6 years, I decided that it was time to fulfil my longstanding desire to study law. In 2021, I attended BPP University, where I completed my Graduate Diploma in Law and obtained a commendation. In 2022, I completed the Legal Practice Course with a distinction. I am now completing my training contract and intend to qualify as a solicitor. 

What one piece of advice would you give others considering law? 

My advice to those starting out in their legal career is to take advantage of any opportunity to gain legal experience. Understanding how a law firm operates and being able to apply your legal knowledge will provide you with an advantage once you begin your legal career. From my own personal experience, I know how competitive the legal sector is, but always have hope and stay motivated and you will be bound to succeed! 

What do you love most about what you do? 

I enjoy communicating with clients, knowing that our firm can help to improve their situation and achieve the best possible results for them. I also love working within the Business Interruption department and enjoy being part of such a fun and supportive team! 

What do you do to support your mental health? 

To support my mental health, I try to ensure that I do activities, whereby I can switch off and take a break from work. I enjoy going to weekly gym classes and have recently taken up cycling. I also love to bake, which always puts me in a good mood! 

And finally, tell us a surprising or fun fact about you? 

I enjoy travelling and being able to learn about new cultures. After visiting China, I have been inspired to learn mandarin and I have already completed a beginner’s course! 
 
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!