Politics and International Relations Student Reflects on Work Experience at Wilson Solicitors

This July, Siena Edhem, a Politics and International Relations student, completed a month-long work experience placement at Wilson Solicitors, spending each week in a different department.

Reflecting on her motivations for undertaking the placement, Siena said:

"Coming from a Politics and International Relations student rather than law, I went in curious about how the two fit together."

During her time at the firm, Siena participated in deportation and asylum training workshops, clerked hearings in court, and carried out legal research on European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) claims under Articles 4 and 8.

The experience helped Siena develop both her legal knowledge and practical skills. As she explained:

"I left with sharper legal research and case preparation skills, a clearer understanding of the legal system and of the toll it takes on the individuals and families moving through it."

Siena also reflected on the importance of the work that takes place behind the scenes in legal practice and how seemingly routine tasks can have a significant impact on clients. During her placement, she worked on schedules of allegations, chronologies and reports, and saw how detailed preparation contributed to a smooth client meeting.

Since completing her placement at Wilson Solicitors, Siena has joined Citizens Advice Bristol as a Research and Campaigns Volunteer, researching foodbank use across the city. She is also volunteering with Aid Box Community's Connections programme, which works to reduce isolation and loneliness among refugees and people seeking asylum.

Looking back on her time at the firm, Siena said:

"Thank you to everyone at Wilsons for a month of mentorship and friendship, particularly Aysen Soyer for supervising me throughout the month."

We wish Siena every success in her future studies, volunteering work and career.

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