My name is Ateeq Arif, and three months into my training contract at Reeds Solicitors, I’ve been immersed in the work of our Mental Health department, and therefore I wanted to develop the skills needed to become a mental health solicitor. My experience has confirmed that while technical knowledge of the Mental Health Act 1983 is essential, the real expertise lies in situational adaptability and client communication.
My initial focus has been on advising clients and completing preparatory notes for Tribunal hearings. Every file is a human narrative, and my role is to ensure our clients are fully informed of their rights and are supported to give clear instructions, in order for us to effectively prepare for their Tribunal hearing.
The blueprint for effective advising and safety
My training began with shadowing my supervisor Natalie Dodds, on client visits.
She stressed that obtaining a pre-meeting briefing from the nursing team is a huge advantage in preparation of the client interview. This check in allows us to gauge the client’s current mood, observation status, support needs, communication needs and any important flags to ensure the interview proceeds safely and respectfully and to ensure that we are able to support the client to engage to the best of their ability.
Beyond the logistics, Natalie emphasised that effective advising is an art. My goal isn’t to conduct a rigid, robotic interview. Instead, as Natalie wisely advised, “you will find your style.” This involves actively listening to the client’s responses, using their answers as cues to guide subsequent questions, and allowing the conversation to flow naturally. This client led approach ensures we capture their genuine wishes, which are vital for successful representation.
Mastering situational adaptability and resilience
The work demands exceptional emotional intelligence and the ability to adapt instantly to diverse psychological needs. We are trained to transform challenging situations into professional lessons and some of the most important I have learned so far are:
Navigating mistrust: I learned to manage cases where clients exhibit extreme suspicion or delusion, often believing staff are conspiring against them. This required adapting firm procedures, such as coordinating the release of legal reports in a specific, timely manner, to build trust and transparency while offering consistent, patient reassurance.
Empathetic advising: Our role involves empathetic advising when a client faces a conflict between their legal interests and their emotional or social wellbeing. This requires sensitivity to their anxieties and feelings of shame, ensuring our legal advice secures the best outcome while validating their complex emotions.
Reading body language: I quickly developed the crucial skill of observing non-verbal communication and adapting my interview technique on the spot. This includes recognising signs of distress or agitation to steer clear of sensitive topics, and modifying my mannerisms, to ensure the client feels comfortable and respected.
Safety protocols and professional composure
The role demands composure in unpredictable environments. During one visit, I was exposed to a disruptive patient interaction while meeting a client. My immediate priority was maintaining professional calm, allowing the nursing team to intervene, and ensuring the safety of everyone present.
This incident underscored the need for constant vigilance. Even though the moment didn’t alarm me, I flagged it immediately with Natalie. She made herself available for a check in call and reinforced the possible practical safety measure of forgoing items like a tie for future visits to reduce risk. This incident clearly demonstrated that Reeds Solicitors prioritises our wellbeing just as much as our legal development.
Managing client expectations
Another critical skill I’ve developed is managing client expectations. Many clients understandably believe we can assist with wider issues stemming from their detention, such as suing the hospital or providing debt advice. A key part of the trainee role is to clearly and sensitively explain the boundaries of our formal instruction which focuses on appealing detention, while ensuring they are signposted to the correct external services for these other pressing issues.
Looking ahead
These first three months have solidified my belief in the critical role our department plays in protecting civil liberties. The firm’s commitment to training that blends legal precision with genuine emotional intelligence is evident in every interaction. I look forward to continuing to grow my expertise in this unique and rewarding field at Reeds Solicitors.