Laura's Appleby Journey

Why Appleby?

Funnily enough, before the Esplanade was converted into office blocks, my first childhood home was a flat in the building which later became our current Appleby HQ. So not only did I learn to walk close to where my office now is, but it was the place where I took my first steps after university and launched my legal career in 2021.

I was initially interviewed by property legend John Bisson who was celebrating 50 years at Appleby that year – so I thought it couldn’t be that bad! From my first day, I have learned from some of the most brilliant (and patient) legal minds in the offshore world, including colleagues in Appleby’s other offices in Guernsey and the Isle of Man. The firm has encouraged my growth and allowed me to explore different areas of law and, when I have shown a particular interest, the partners are keen to accommodate. This led to an internal transfer from the Property department to the Dispute Resolution department where I am today.

Since joining the Dispute Resolution team, I have been involved in a broad variety of contentious matters, including commercial and corporate matters, employment and regulatory matters, enforcement of securities and debt recovery, contentious trusts, insolvency, medical negligence and personal injury. This has been great, especially at the beginning of my career, and I particularly enjoy the weird and wonderful Jersey legal traditions!

I have also had the unique opportunity to work with colleagues in other jurisdictions, for example in Manx trust or Guernsey employment matters. No one can say that an Appleby Associate is a one-trick pony. I have been entrusted with a high level of responsibility for this stage of my career and, although it sometimes feels like a baptism of fire, this has developed my confidence and allowed me to flourish.

The firm supported me through the SQE2 examinations to qualify as an English Solicitor, even though there wasn’t a formal trainee scheme at the time. I set out a proposal and partners were keen to do all they could to help, something which I believe helped me achieve an overall mark of 80%. Last year, I started the Jersey Law Course and again enjoy their support. I look forward to qualifying as a Jersey Advocate in the near future.

It is the people who make Appleby the wonderful place that it is. The frequent social events, from boat parties in the summer to wreath making at Christmas, give everyone across departments, teams and floors the opportunity to connect. I like that there is no hierarchal structure; everyone is friendly and approachable whatever their role. I’ve definitely made some lifelong friends here at Appleby.

What advice would you give yourself as a graduate considering the experience you have now?

Relax… everything will be fine.

A little more about Laura

Education

Queen’s University Belfast (LLB Law), Liverpool John Moores University (Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice).
SQE2 (Solicitors Qualifying Exam).

What did you want to be when you were 8 years old?

A member of the Riverdance troupe or failing that a lawyer.

Favourite way to relax

Cycling from West Park to Corbière and stopping for lunch in St Aubin along the way.

Favourite place to eat in Jersey

Upstairs at Anley Street.

Favourite possession:

My skillet inspired by Dolly Parton’s Jolene (inscribed with ‘’…please don’t take my pan’’).

To apply for our next intake in October 2026 please email: [email protected]

This article was first published in Gallery magazine.