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Looking into debtors is detective work – just call me Sherlock

Our newest team-member, law graduate Katie Szolin, reflects on her first year with the firm where she’s discovered an aptitude for investigations and how having fun at work can help the bottom line.

I’ve been with Philip Elliott Associates for nearly a year and I’m working part-time while studying at Nottingham Trent University for my solicitor exams (SQE).

I’m surprised how much my first law degree has been useful in my role of debt recovery case handler. There’s much more legal expertise required than I imagined.

Additionally, because this job entails lots of communication, my confidence has grown through conversing with both debtors and clients and networking in general.

There’s one area of work that I’ve taken to in particular and that’s investigations. I love a good search and when we look into debtors, it often requires some intense Sherlock-style detective work in order to establish a clearer picture, whether that be a standard social media search, land registry or the credit checking company Experian. (I think S. Holmes would have been all over Facebook.) It is totally legal though.

Robyn Baxter, director, is a mentor who provides advice and guidance … not only work-realted but life advice too!

She takes the time to explain and is extremely patient when I constantly bombard her with questions. It is also a bonus that she can help guide me through my SQE if I have any queries.

And Philip, the MD, is really good at explaining why something is the way it is or why we have given a client particular advice and, more recently, more complex things like the Bank of England base rates.

But alongside the serious work, we always have a great laugh in the office.

I think it’s important to enjoy your job if you’re going to be good at it. This year Philip Elliott Associates has had one of the best ever financially so Philip and Robyn’s belief in creating a cheerful environment while working hard obviously pays off.

My advice for graduates looking for their first job in 2025 is, clichéd as it sounds, don’t give up.

When I was looking, I was fortunate enough have friends who knew I had a law degree and asked if I wanted to speak to Philip to see if he knew of any opportunities.

And it just so happened that he gave me a job. They say that it happens when you least expect it.

Making the transition form being a student to a professional role has been easier than I thought and there’s just one downside: it did take me a while to adjust to the fact I couldn’t take naps during the day anymore.

Although I don’t think that’s a lesson Philip has yet learned . . .