Nicci Da Costa — Trainee Solicitor
Nicci studied law at the University of Bristol. She is now a second seat trainee at RPC, handling her own cases and working on high-profile trials
Why did you choose a career in law?
Because it offers a platform to develop a strong technical and strategic way of thinking. The legal profession allows you to continually expand your knowledge and adjust to the ever-evolving landscape, while making an impact on individuals, businesses and communities. It is a collaborative field, which allows you to engage with diverse teams that have varied expertise.
What attracted you to RPC?
RPC prides itself on promoting a supportive and friendly culture that makes for the ideal place for a trainee to learn. You are given freedom and responsibility to grow and develop as a lawyer, while receiving unwavering support. The firm cares about mental wellbeing and being able to weave your individual strengths and interests into the work you do.
I was also interested in litigation and was attracted to RPC's reputation as a disputes powerhouse.
Tell us what your training contract involves?
My training at RPC has been varied. I've been involved in pre-action claims and claims that have gone through to trial. Being involved in the Mirror Group Newspaper phone hacking trial is a testament to my exposure to complex and interesting legal matters. My work has involved research, disclosure, preparing costs budgets, drafting witness statements, instructing Counsel and experts, and preparing advice on coverage. I have even been given my own cases to run with partner supervision.
There are a lot of stereotypes about working in law. Can you debunk a myth?
Some believe that lawyers are unfriendly and effectively corporate robots. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Every lawyer I have worked with values the importance of a healthy work/life balance. My colleagues have been extremely creative; part of our job is to ensure we are able to achieve a resolution for our clients that account for their commercial, reputational and financial goals. This allows us to think creatively, not just critically.
Why should aspiring solicitors consider RPC as a firm?
Trainees at RPC are offered as much responsibility as they can handle, always with the support and encouragement needed to succeed. Being trusted with this level of responsibility allows trainees to prepare for life as an associate.
RPC cares about you as a person. Our ‘Strikingly Real’ campaign encourages everyone to be unapologetically themselves. This means that trainees don't dread coming to work, and don't worry about not fitting in. Because of the relatively small trainee intake, trainees become good friends.
What advice can you give to others considering a career in law?
Be open minded. You truly don't know what something is like until you've tried it. There's a big difference between studying a subject at university and working in that area of law in practice.
Also, if at first you don't succeed, try again. It took me several rejections before I ended up with my RPC training contract offer, and I couldn’t be happier.