Madia Aslam joined Gardner Leader in 2018 and went on to complete her training with the firm, qualifying February 2021.
We asked one of our newest Solicitors Madia a series of questions to get to know her better –
Do you have any advice for future trainee solicitors?
Don’t be put off by trying a seat just because you weren’t keen on it whilst studying. Concepts are sometimes difficult to visualise in books but start to make a lot more sense in practice. Even if you decide a particular practice area isn’t for you, you are going to take away some useful skills. Also as a trainee it’s a fantastic opportunity to ask lots of questions, so don’t be shy but be sure to always have a pen and notepad at the ready.
Why did you decide to train at Gardner Leader?
I joined Gardner Leader as an assistant and loved the family feel the firm offers. There’s very much an open door policy and in the open plan offices it’s not unusual to see the Partners sitting with the paralegal or trainees, so it’s a very supportive and non-hierarchical atmosphere to learn in. As well as investing in employees and offering the opportunity for trainees to learn from some of the best, Gardner Leader also spends a lot of time in organising social and wellbeing activities as well as helping with charitable causes, so there’s a little bit of something for everyone.
Why did you decide to study law?
Since I remember, I always took a pragmatic and reasonable approach to resolving issues and this is ultimately what the law seeks to do. Although studying part-time can be arduous, somebody made the comment that they didn’t think I would be able to see it through to the end, so I took that as challenge and the rest as they say is history.
Have you learnt anything new over the past year whether this be a new skill or developed a new hobby?
I have started dabbling in poetry.
The first time I came to Gardner Leader – I was visitor,
I thought the interviewer would be an inquisitor,
But the fear wasn’t an inhibitor,
And look at me now – I am solicitor.
What is your favourite film?
The Lion King because who couldn’t do with a bit of Hakuna Matata.
Who would you most like to step into the shoes of for a day?
Probably Mark Zuckerberg so I could know all and see all.
If you could pick up a new skill in an instant what would it be?
Either to be good at DIY or have some amazing martial arts moves like Bruce Lee.