Junior Legal Drafter Kirsty Wattam (pictured with her parents’ cat, Pecko), joined 8PP through the chambers’ Training Academy after graduating with First Class honours in Law with Politics from the University of Hull. Now working primarily on housing disrepair matters, Kirsty enjoys the analytical side of legal drafting and the opportunity to build practical legal experience as part of a supportive team.
From studying abroad in France to developing her career in Liverpool, Kirsty’s route into law has been shaped by attention to detail and a willingness to embrace new opportunities.
What first attracted you to 8PP?
I came across the 8PP Training Academy through Handshake, the careers platform used by the University of Hull.
I liked the fact that it offered genuine practical experience from the outset rather than simply observing from the sidelines. It felt like an opportunity to develop real drafting skills and understand how litigation works in practice.
I’d only visited Liverpool once before, but I liked the city and thought it would be an interesting place to start my career. Since joining 8PP, it’s been great to be part of a team where everyone is approachable and willing to help you develop.
Tell us a little about yourself and your route into law.
I’m originally from Lincolnshire and graduated from the University of Hull with First Class honours in Law with Politics. During my degree I had the opportunity to study a wide range of topics, including gender and the law, comparative politics and international affairs, which gave me a broader perspective on how legal systems operate.
Before moving into law, I spent several summers working in the gift shop at Norfolk Lavender whilst I was at school and university. Looking back, it was great experience. Working with customers every day helped build my confidence and taught me how important good communication and organisation are – skills that have proved just as valuable in legal practice.
You spent part of your degree studying in France. What was that like?
It was one of the highlights of my time at university.
I studied at Université Grenoble Alpes after choosing to spend a year abroad. France appealed to me because I wanted to experience a different culture and have the opportunity to travel.
I visited places including Lyon, Paris, Annecy and Marseille, and really enjoyed exploring museums, galleries and different cities whenever I could. Marseille was my favourite.
The university accommodation itself wasn’t quite as good as the travel! It was an old fort, very basic and hot water wasn’t always guaranteed, but it’s something I can laugh about now. Those experiences all became part of the adventure.
How have you found the move from university into practice?
The biggest difference has been putting legal theory into practice.
At university you learn the law, but working on live cases teaches you how everything comes together in a real litigation environment. That’s been one of the most rewarding aspects of starting my legal career.
During the Training Academy I worked closely with Ignatius, who reviewed my work and helped me develop my drafting skills. Having that support and feedback gave me confidence and provided a really strong foundation for the role I’m doing now.
What does your role involve?
I work primarily on housing disrepair matters.
A typical day involves reviewing disclosure and evidential bundles, assessing the merits of claims and preparing Particulars of Claim or Replies to Defence. As matters progress, I’ll also deal with amendments and help ensure everything is prepared accurately.
What I enjoy most is the drafting itself. I like the structure of the work and once I’ve reviewed the papers, I enjoy getting into a rhythm and producing clear, well-considered documents.
Every case is different, so there’s always something new to learn.
How would you describe life at 8PP?
It’s been a really positive place to begin my legal career.
Everyone has been supportive and approachable, and I’ve learnt a great deal in a relatively short space of time.
Rebecca, who leads our Clerking Team, is incredibly organised, so instructions come through clearly and everything runs very efficiently. That makes a real difference when you’re working across multiple matters.
Although I’m still early in my career, I’ve already gained practical experience that has really accelerated my development.
What does life outside work look like?
I’m probably happiest doing fairly relaxed things.
I enjoy baking, particularly cupcakes, and carrot cake is probably my favourite recipe – and I also like trying new recipes using SimplyCook meal kits.
I’m a big fan of musical theatre and have a trip to London planned later this year to see Into the Woods in the West End and then Mean Girls on tour in Liverpool. I’ve also really enjoyed seeing the Wicked film adaptation at the cinema.
I like museums, galleries and keeping up with current affairs, and I’m also a bit of a jigsaw puzzle enthusiast.
Earlier this year I enjoyed a seven-night cruise around Germany and Belgium with my mum. It was lovely to spend time together whilst exploring somewhere new. We made the most of every day, relaxing in the hydrotherapy suite, getting dressed up for dinner each evening, enjoying a cocktail or two and watching the onboard entertainment. It was a really memorable trip.
What’s next professionally?
At the moment I’m focused on continuing to learn and build my experience.
I’m really enjoying legal drafting and developing my understanding of litigation. Every new instruction helps build my knowledge and confidence, and I’m looking forward to continuing that journey.
Final thoughts on 8PP?
Joining 8PP has been a fantastic way to begin my legal career and I’m excited to see where that journey takes me next.
The 8PP Training Academy gave me the opportunity to develop practical skills from day one, and since then I’ve continued learning from colleagues who are always willing to share their experience and offer support.
