Bhavya Sharma’s journey into charities law

When I started my training contract, I didn’t have a fixed idea of where my legal career would take me.

Like many aspiring solicitors, I was excited by the opportunity to experience different practice areas, develop new skills and discover where my strengths and interests lay. What I didn’t expect was that I would find a career in charities law.

Today, as part of HCR Law’s Charities and Social Enterprise team, I work with a wide range of organisations and clients, helping them navigate legal and governance challenges. Looking back, the journey from trainee solicitor to adviser has been one of constant learning, growing confidence and opportunities that have challenged me in the best possible way.

Discovering a specialism I hadn’t considered

Before starting my training contract, charities law wasn’t an area I knew a great deal about.

My experience during training gave me the opportunity to see first-hand the different types of work involved and the variety of clients the sector supports. The more exposure I gained, the more I realised it offered exactly what I was looking for in a legal career: interesting work, client interaction and the chance to keep learning every day.

“When you’re starting out, it’s very easy to focus on the more traditional practice areas because they’re the ones you hear about most often, but you never really know what you’re going to enjoy until you experience it for yourself.”

One of the greatest things about a training contract is the opportunity to discover practice areas that may not have been on your radar. For me, charities law was one of them.

Learning through responsibility

One of the biggest benefits of working in the team has been the opportunity to get involved in meaningful work from an early stage.

As a trainee and junior lawyer, you’re not simply observing from the sidelines. You’re encouraged to contribute, ask questions and take ownership of your development.

Whether I was carrying out research, preparing documents, supporting client matters or attending meetings, every experience helped me build my understanding and confidence.

“Almost every matter presents a new question or issue to explore, which means you are constantly learning.”

That level of involvement has played a huge role in my development and helped me feel part of the team from the outset.

Building confidence with clients

One of the most valuable aspects of my experience has been the opportunity to work directly with clients.

Developing confidence as a lawyer doesn’t happen overnight. It comes from listening, learning and gradually taking on more responsibility.

Through the support of colleagues and mentors, I’ve been able to build strong communication skills and become more confident explaining legal issues in a practical and accessible way.

“I get quite a lot of client contact as a trainee. That can range from drafting client emails and cost updates to attending client meetings and helping with follow-up actions afterwards.”

Seeing how clients use our advice to make decisions and move projects forward is incredibly rewarding and has helped me understand the wider impact lawyers can have.

Learning from people around me

No one develops their career alone.

Throughout my training and early years in practice, I’ve been fortunate to work alongside people who have been generous with their time, knowledge and support.

One of the things I’ve valued most at HCR is being able to learn from experienced colleagues while still being encouraged to develop my own ideas and approach.

“One thing I have really enjoyed is the opportunity to work with people from different teams and offices.”

Having access to that experience has accelerated my development and given me the confidence to step outside my comfort zone.

Developing more than legal skills

Of course, I’ve developed my technical legal knowledge, but some of the biggest lessons have been broader than that.

I’ve learnt how to build relationships, manage competing priorities, communicate effectively and understand what matters most to clients.

These skills are just as important as legal knowledge and are qualities that continue to shape me as a lawyer.

“Working in this team has improved my communication skills and attention to detail, and it has also helped me become much more confident when carrying out legal research.”

Every new piece of work presents an opportunity to learn something new.

Advice for future trainees

If I could give one piece of advice to someone considering a legal career, it would be to stay open-minded.

It’s easy to focus on the practice areas you’ve heard the most about, but some of the best opportunities can come from the places you least expect.

My own career path is proof of that.

“Keep an open mind, embrace every opportunity and give each experience your full attention, because you never know where it might lead.”

Take every opportunity to gain experience, speak to people and learn about different areas of law. You never know where it might lead.

Looking ahead

Looking back, the journey from trainee to adviser has been both rewarding and challenging. I’ve developed skills, built confidence and had opportunities that have helped shape the lawyer I’m becoming.

Most importantly, I’ve found an area of law that continues to challenge and interest me every day. And for anyone starting out in their legal career, that’s exactly what makes the journey worthwhile.