Aaron James Moore, Solicitor, Cleaver Fulton Rankin

Name Aaron James Moore

Job Solicitor

Employer Cleaver Fulton Rankin

Education LLB, Queen’s University Belfast (2006); Certificate of Professional Legal Studies with Distinction (2008), Institute of Professional Legal Studies, Queen’s University Belfast

The weather on the day of my formal interview with Cleaver Fulton Rankin was fantastic. After an early-morning interview I went surfing, and on the way home I had to pull my car over to take a call from the firm offering me a two-year training contract: a perfect end to the day.

My firm focuses on corporate and commercial law as well as commercial property, planning, litigation, employment and private client. On finishing my training contract I became a solicitor in the Litigation Department within the Construction Unit. I act on behalf of developers and contractors on major projects throughout Northern Ireland and advise clients on the terms of project agreements, building contracts and collateral warranties.

A typical day involves negotiating with representatives of the other parties to a contract and attending meetings on behalf of clients to discuss terms. I also spend time drafting contract documentation.

I face new challenges on a daily basis. Meetings can get heated, but usually end with a sensible resolution and with both parties shaking hands. The hours can be tiring and you can find yourself dropped in at the deep end, but I enjoy the buzz of completing projects and resolving potential 'deal breakers'.

Recently I acted as the internal project manager for the legal aspects of a new city centre campus for a college in Belfast. Working on such a large, high-profile commercial property development was a baptism of fire, but has given me invaluable experience in this area. The project is set to continue for some time, and I hope my legal expertise will grow with it!

Tips for graduates

If you intend to practise, be prepared to put in long hours, be challenged every day and constantly keep abreast of new developments in law.