Spall Clark welcomes Sofia Jibril
Introducing Sofia
Spall Clark Solicitors is delighted to announce the recent addition of Sofia Jibril to its specialist team. Sofia has joined as a legal assistant and will begin her legal apprenticeship in February 2027. Following successful completion of the apprenticeship, Sofia will qualify as a solicitor.
“We are delighted that Sofia has joined Spall Clark and will become our first Graduate Legal Apprentice. She has already made a great impression on the team.”
Paul Clark – Managing Director
Interview: In conversation with Sofia Jibril
Your journey so far
Beginning my role at Spall Clark Solicitors marks an exciting new chapter in my journey towards qualifying as a solicitor.
My route into the legal profession has been shaped not only by my academic studies, but also by practical experience, voluntary work and a strong desire to help people during difficult or uncertain periods in their lives. Each experience has reinforced my belief that a legal career should be about more than understanding the law. It should also involve listening carefully, communicating clearly and treating every person with patience and respect.
Insight into private client
Although I am still at the beginning of my journey with Spall Clark Solicitors, my first few weeks have already given me a valuable insight into the responsibility involved in private client work. I am now looking forward to building on those foundations as I prepare to begin the firm’s Graduate Legal Apprenticeship in 2027.
Why did you wish to study law?
My interest in law developed through work experience and shadowing which allowed me to see how legal theory translates into practice and this ultimately cemented my desire to pursue a career as a solicitor. As I progressed through my studies, I became increasingly interested in how legal knowledge can be used to provide practical help to individuals, families and vulnerable members of the community.
Legal Advice Clinic
One of the most valuable parts of my development was volunteering at a legal advice clinic and gaining experience of pro bono work. This gave me an opportunity to see how important accessible legal support can be, particularly for people who may feel overwhelmed by their circumstances or unsure about where to turn.
Volunteering taught me that, although identifying the relevant law is important, the way advice is communicated can be equally significant. A person seeking help may be anxious, unfamiliar with legal language or dealing with several difficult issues at once. Taking the time to listen and explain matters clearly can make an enormous difference to their experience.
That experience strengthened my ability to communicate professionally and sensitively. It also confirmed that I wanted to pursue a career in which I could continue learning while making a meaningful contribution to people’s lives.
Looking ahead to 2027 Graduate Legal Apprenticeship
I am thrilled to begin the Graduate Legal Apprenticeship with Spall Clark Solicitors in 2027. The apprenticeship will allow me to continue gaining practical experience within the firm while completing the structured training and assessment required for qualification.
As part of the role, I will gain experience across private client work, including Wills, probate and estate administration, trusts, inheritance tax and Court of Protection matters. The apprenticeship is designed to combine practical experience from the outset with structured training and support.
Preparing for SQE
An important part of my journey will be preparing for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination. I know that balancing day-to-day work, academic study and examination preparation will require discipline, resilience and careful organisation. However, I am looking forward to that challenge, as my three-year degree did highlight many of these skills.
I am particularly excited about being able to connect the subjects I study with genuine legal work. Seeing how legal principles apply to real situations should deepen my understanding and help me develop the judgement, confidence and practical skills needed to become a solicitor.
Developing legal skills
Over the course of the apprenticeship, I hope to strengthen my technical knowledge, develop trusted relationships with clients and colleagues, and gradually take on greater responsibility. My aim is not simply to pass the required assessments, but to become a thoughtful, approachable and dependable solicitor.
How do you spend your time outside of work?
Outside work, I have a love of travel and discovering new communities and cultures.
Travelling has helped me appreciate that people can experience the world in very different ways. It has encouraged me to approach others with curiosity, openness and respect, qualities that are also valuable when working in law.
Private client work is centred on people. Every client has a different family structure, background, set of priorities and reason for seeking advice. My interest in different communities has helped me recognise the importance of avoiding assumptions and taking the time to understand each person’s individual circumstances.
Supporting vulnerable communities
Travel has also strengthened my desire to support vulnerable communities. In the future, I hope to combine my professional development with continued charitable involvement, both locally and, where opportunities arise, further afield.
Q&A with Sofia
Q: What encouraged you to pursue a career in law?
I was attracted to law because it combines intellectual challenge with the opportunity to make a practical difference to people’s lives. My studies introduced me to the technical side of the law, while my voluntary and pro bono experience showed me its human impact.
That combination confirmed that I wanted a career in which I could continue learning while helping people understand their options and move forward with greater confidence.
Q: What attracted you to Spall Clark?
I was particularly attracted to Spall Clark Solicitors because of its specialist focus on private client law and its personal approach to working with clients.
I was also drawn to their strong sense of community. Spall Clark’s involvement with local charities and community organisations demonstrates that its values extend beyond the legal work undertaken in the office. They have supported various community initiatives, and was shortlisted in the Community & Charity Champions category at the British Wills and Probate Awards 2026.
As somebody who values charitable work and wants to support vulnerable communities, I felt that this was an environment in which my personal values and professional ambitions could develop together.
Q: What did you want to work at a specialist private client law firm?
The size and specialist nature of Spall Clark were important to me. Working within a close-knit team provides an opportunity to learn directly from experienced private client solicitors, observe how different matters are handled and understand the reasoning behind the work.
Spall Clark advises on areas including Wills, probate and estate administration, trusts, inheritance tax, Lasting Powers of Attorney and Court of Protection matters. Its approach centres on providing tailored legal solutions and practical guidance in clear, straightforward language.
Q: What have your first few weeks been like?
My first few weeks at Spall Clark Solicitors have introduced me to both the legal and practical aspects of working in a specialist private client practice.
One of the early highlights of my time with the firm was attending the British Wills and Probate Awards. Spall Clark Solicitors was shortlisted for Community & Charity Champions, while Managing Director Paul Clark was shortlisted for Private Client Practitioner of the Year and I can happily announce that we received both awards which was so exciting!
Q: What charity causes are you passionate about?
I am particularly interested in supporting organisations connected with breast cancer awareness and support. One ambition I am considering is running a marathon next year to raise funds and awareness for a breast cancer charity.
Need Advice on Wills, Probate or Estate Planning?
Sofia joined our specialist private client practice on 1 October 2026 and works closely with Paul ClarkTEP, Melissa Howman and Natasha Yelland, supporting the team across a range of private client matters.
If you need advice about probate or estate administration, making or updating a will or planning for the future, our specialist private client team is here to help.
Please call us on 01260 769 639 to arrange a free initial consultation. We can meet you at our Congleton office, in your own home in Cheshire or online via Microsoft Teams.
