Choose your Leeds JLD Committee for 2025
FELT OFFICER:
ELLEN HUISON

My name is Ellen Huison, I am a Competition Associate at Knights and I would like to apply for the role of FELT/In-House Committee Representative for 2025. Having studied in Scotland and started my career during Covid, I am acutely aware of how difficult it can be to establish a support network as a junior lawyer in a new city, and just how fundamental the JLD is in establishing a network for lawyers in Leeds. If I were to be successful in my application, I would build on my experiences to support and facilitate FELT and In-House members building their network.

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I started my career in-house at DAC Beachcroft, moving to Knights (another FELT firm) on qualification. I therefore have first-hand experience of the difficulties faced by FELT/In-house lawyers when building an external network, and how to overcome these barriers whilst balancing networking with other commitments (including studying). I understand the fundamental importance of a strong, external network particularly for in-house and FELT members, who do not have the benefit of a large peer group within their organisation, and am a passionate advocate of the power of networks to feel supported in what can be a challenging career. If successful, I would hope to support other FELT/In-House members in growing their network, particularly those who may not be as confident in their networking skills through a range of social and educational events. Conscious of the diversity in the JLD membership, I would also seek to organise a portion of social and educational alcohol-free events for sober or sober-curious members.

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Prior to my legal career, I developed a strong network in Leeds’ wellness and fitness community whilst working as a Supervisor for Sweaty Betty. During this time, I frequently liaised with local and national organisations to organise and host a variety of events, ranging from exclusive classes and shopping events, to large open-air yoga workshops. If I were to be successful in my application, I would seek to use my skills and network developed during this time to offer events with a difference.

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I am particularly passionate about supporting junior lawyers in FELT/In-House roles in their SQE journey. The SQE can be isolating, particularly for members who do not have regular contact with others undertaking the SQE or lawyers who have qualified through this route, as is often the case with firms/organisations with smaller trainee cohorts. Since qualifying, I have supported several lawyers in their SQE journey: providing advice on training providers, SQE procedure, and how to juggle working and studying, alongside being a sounding board for those “silly” questions you may not want to ask the SRA or your learning provider. I would love to expand the current dedicated support for FELT/In-house SQE candidates from the JLD to develop an SQE buddy scheme and/or SQE surgery sessions, connecting SQE candidates in FELT/In-house roles with lawyers who have qualified through the SQE. In order to realise this initiative, I would work collaboratively with other committee members, particularly education and trainee representatives