TGt Meets…Anja of Coles Miller Solicitors

In this edition of TGt Meets, get to know Anja Lloyd in her role as Trainee Solicitor in Coles Miller Solicitors' Residential Conveyancing Department.

1. Can you share your journey that led you to your current role as a Trainee Solicitor at Coles Miller?

I moved to England from Germany around five years ago, early on realised that law was something I genuinely enjoyed. I initially joined Coles Miller as a legal secretary, which gave me valuable insight into the profession and confirmed that I was on the right path. I have been incredibly lucky to have amazing support around me at Coles Miller, especially from my line manager who always believed in my abilities and encouraged me to progress. Her belief in me played a big part in helping me move forward to my current role as a trainee solicitor.

2. What do you find most rewarding about working in residential conveyancing, and how do you approach complex property transactions in your role?

I’ve always been a people person, so naturally the most rewarding part is being able to support people through a really important time in their lives. Buying or selling a home is a major milestone and being able to make the process smoother for clients is something I really appreciate. I enjoy communicating with clients, and it’s great to be able to provide support and reassurance in this time that is mostly exciting but can also be a stressful experience. Our team has a structured approach to every case which helps on its own. However, if it’s a particularly complex transaction I will try to see it as a learning opportunity, rather than a problem. I am lucky to work alongside a very experienced solicitor, so even when things feel tricky, I never feel alone handling them and always know I have great guidance. We usually treat complex matters as part of the job and try to approach them with a calm and organised mindset.

3. As a Trainee Solicitor in the Conveyancing department, how do you balance the practical aspects of legal work with the theoretical knowledge you gained during your studies?

By studying the black letter law I’m building a foundation of knowledge to draw from. Besides that, it’s been the hands-on work with clients and unexpected situations, together with the pace of real legal environment that have helped me develop confidence in my ability. Every day in the office brings something new, and that variety is something I thoroughly enjoy and keeps me learning.

4. What are some challenges you face in your day-to-day responsibilities in a busy conveyancing office, and how do you stay updated on the latest changes in property law and conveyancing practices?

Conveyancing is a particularly fast-paced area of law, and that pace can be one of the main challenges. Legal processes and policies are always evolving and changing, so staying up to date and understanding how to put those changes into practice efficiently is important. When the Stamp Duty holiday ended in March this year, it created a huge challenge with a lot of time pressure, but those kinds of moments really show how well the team works together. The whole Conveyancing department at Coles Miller always keeps each other informed, shares updates quickly and adapts swiftly as and when needed. The level of communication and teamwork makes it much easier to handle those intense periods.

5. In your experience, what qualities do you believe are essential for success in the field of residential conveyancing, particularly in your position as a Trainee Solicitor?

I personally believe that one of the most important qualities in residential conveyancing is the ability to maintain strong attention to detail while working under pressure. There is a lot happening in every transaction, and each one involves many different parties. Having a structured approach and managing your time efficiently is key. Also, balancing a client’s best interests with the timeline and expectations of others can be demanding, so staying organised and communicating clearly throughout is essential. No matter how similar cases may seem at first, each one has its own story and might require a different approach, so being able to adapt is also important.

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