SHSS Alumnae Link - Claire Kelly

Welcome to SHSS Alumnae Link!

This is where we connect with past pupils and find out what they are up to now.

This week we linked with Claire Kelly who graduated in 2016.

Name and Position:

Claire Kelly, Trainee Solicitor

Lives:

Barryroe, best place ever!

Best memory of Sacred Heart:

I couldn’t pick just one. However, I’ll always remember the craic that was had! It was usually from something you weren’t supposed to be doing, whether it was hiding from Mr. Walsh because you were wearing the wrong coat or winding Ms. O’Sullivan up in biology class.

What were your favourite classes:

Economics with Ms. Hennessy was definitely a highlight, that class was probably the main reason why I ended up studying what I did in college. Ms. Bell’s English class was also a favourite, it was almost like escapism from the school day.

Tell us about your career progression to date:

I spent three years in DCU studying Economics, Politics and Law. After graduation I set about studying for the entrance exams to The Law Society, there are 8 in total. I sat my first set in March 2020 and completed them earlier this year. I was fortunate enough to secure some really interesting work while I was studying for those exams. My first role was in a small firm in West Cork as a legal intern where I was afforded my first taste of legal drafting and court attendance. A short time later I began work as a legal secretary for the State Solicitor in West Cork, which centres around the practice of criminal prosecution. That experience has without doubt been the highlight of my journey to date, and certainly an area I would love to circle back to in time. Currently, I am registered with the Law Society as a Trainee Solicitor and I hope to qualify towards the latter end of 2023. I chose to partake in the hybrid route to qualification which allows me to split my time between the office, online learning and onsite attendance at Blackhall place. The firm I am training with practices in a variety of different areas so there’s a nice mix of private client, litigation and commercial work. Never a dull day!

If you weren’t in the job you have, what would you be doing?

Events coordinator– I like to think I’m quite organised!

Advise you would give to your teenage self?

Learn your Sraith Pictiúr and eat your veggies.

Favourite quote or motto:

Dreams don’t work unless you do.

Hidden talent:

Cooking, I make unreal dinners!

Huge thanks to Claire for taking the time to answer our questions!

See you soon for the next instalment of SHSS Alumnae Link.