60 seconds with... Harriet Hearns

Sophie McIvor spoke to Harriet who earlier in 2024 helped to open a Law Clinic at the University of Dundee, plus they discuss careers and legal aid.

Could you start by telling us what motivated you to go into law and how you found university?

Throughout my last year of school, I undertook an Open University module called “An Introduction to the Law in Scotland” as an alternative to another Advanced Higher. I thoroughly enjoyed undertaking this module and this inspired me to look to pursue a career in law. Having undertaken the LLB (Hons) at Abertay University, I was exposed to a variety of practical assessments which hugely helped when undertaking the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice (“DPLP”). 

As one of the first student advisors at the University of Dundee’s law clinic, what was that experience like?

It was an honour to be able to be involved in the set-up of such an amazing organisation that offers legal aid. I think going into it, I didn’t fully realise the amount of work required prior to the opening of the clinic. Despite undergoing the DPLP at the time, and therefore having hands on experience in interviewing clients, as a student advisor, we were required to undergo weeks of training. This made it all the more exciting when we were able to launch the clinic and open to the public. The clinic was set up to allow for two student advisors and a solicitor per client. This allowed for effective collaboration and full advice given to each client within an efficient time frame. It was both a nerve racking but proud moment giving legal advice to our first client at the clinic. 

Seeing the Dundee Law Clinic come to life must have been a rewarding point in your career to date, what influenced you to help set it up and why do you think it’s important that Dundee has that service?

Having already been heavily involved in the Tayside and Perthshire Law Project, I witnessed the positive impact pro bono work can have on people and on a community as a whole. With increased struggles of living, it is making it harder for people to seek their basic rights and instruct a solicitor when they require one. Having received extremely positive feedback from a client at the Dundee Law Clinic for providing clarity on an issue, this emphasised the importance of having a legal service that is readily available to all members of the public. A big thanks to Rebecca Samaras for being the leading force of the set-up of the clinic! 

Now you’ve started your traineeship, looking back at your time at university, what would your advice be to students looking at the next stage of their career?

Get involved in as many opportunities as you can. Obviously coursework comes first, however, I have learned invaluable experiences and met some amazing people by putting myself out there and getting involved. The legal world, particularly in Scotland, is extremely small and it’s amazing who you can meet and gain contacts with. Networking is really important! 

More personally, what are your aspirations for your future as a solicitor?

I’m very fortunate to be in a field where there are so many inspiring professionals, all with their own paths and aspirations. I think success as a solicitor can look vastly different depending how you view success. Although I want to excel in my career and progress up the “corporate ladder”, I still wish to support and mentor other colleagues and take part in pro bono. When using my platform as someone that practises law, I feel it is rewarding and fulfilling being able to give back where we can. 

And finally, what keeps you busy outside of your traineeship? 

I love going to the gym when I can, it’s a great way to relieve stress! I also have a huge interest in horses and everything equestrian so on weekends I volunteer for Riding for the Disabled (RDA). RDA is an amazing charity that provides opportunities for people with disabilities to get meaningful and lasting therapy and health benefits from horse riding.