Sam Ure's Secondee Experience:

"The work performed at PILCH by secondees is vital to PILCH being able to operate and provide services to its members and access to justice for groups and individuals who would otherwise not have that access. From a personal perspective, the secondment has had very significant benefits for me in terms of professional development and job satisfaction.

A secondee deals with a range of clients on a daily basis, usually over the telephone. I experienced a significant improvement in my confidence in advising and taking instructions over the telephone. This included the ability to spot issues and probe for further information where necessary. The secondee also deals occasionally with upset and agitated clients, and clients suffering from mental illness. I think my ability to deal effectively with these clients has improved with practice.

I think the most significant benefit I derived from the experience has been improved confidence in my capacity to deal with clients, colleagues and other practitioners, to trust my own judgment about legal issues and to make quick decisions in relation to matters."

Sam Ure was seconded to PILCH for six months from February to August 2005. Sam is a solicitor at Allens Arthur Robinson.