CCLS Alumna Shares Her News of Starting a Training Contract
Zoe Potolia (Intellectual Property LLM, 2020) shares her career journey with our alumni community.
Zoe Potolia says: “Looking back on my career journey so far, I can confidently say it has been a rewarding and challenging experience. After completing my postgraduate studies in Intellectual Property Law at Queen Mary, I started my role as a Paralegal at Selfridges Group. There, I primarily worked on corporate and M&A matters, which provided me with invaluable insight into the fast-paced and intricate world of corporate law from an in-house perspective. Beyond the technical skills I gained, the collaborative and innovative culture at Selfridges allowed me to develop a strong foundation in navigating complex legal projects within a dynamic business environment.
I later moved to Richemont, where I currently work as a Trainee Solicitor within the UK legal team specialising in commercial matters across the Fashion & Accessories division. Richemont has offered me the opportunity to work on high-impact projects that have deepened my understanding on how legal teams support the growth and innovation of global luxury brands. Securing my Training Contract at Richemont was undoubtedly the most significant milestone in my career so far. Achieving this required persistence, adaptability, and resilience.
In addition to my full-time work as a Trainee Solicitor, I am preparing for the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE), which is a key part of my training and qualification process. Balancing the demands of full-time work with studying for such a challenging exam has been no small feat. Time management, maintaining balance, and staying committed have been crucial for managing stress and staying focused.
Reflecting on my time at Queen Mary, I realise how foundational it was for my career. One of my favourite modules, Interactive Entertainment Law, not only inspired my interest in the complex legal issues the emerging new media industries present, but also marked an important achievement: being published in the Interactive Entertainment Law Review. My article explored deceptive advertising practices by influencers in gamified gambling, a topic that continues to pose ethical and legal challenges in today’s media landscape.
For all the alumni navigating their own paths to qualification, my advice is simple but vital: stay persistent, even when the journey feels daunting. Focus your energy on what serves your goals, and don’t hesitate to reinvent yourself if you feel stuck. Whatever path you decide to pursue towards qualification, stay present, connected, and curious to learn and evolve. Building meaningful connections with the subject matter and those around you is crucial for gaining clarity on the right next steps for your career. The legal profession demands empathy, adaptability, and a willingness to learn, all of which will serve you well as you build your career.
Securing a Training Contract and embarking on this journey has been incredibly rewarding, and I’m excited for what the future holds. For anyone on the same path, stay focused and keep going – it’s worth it.”