Luke’s Inspiring Journey to Becoming a Solicitor at HCC Solicitors
2nd Jul 2025
Luke Trudgeon
For many aspiring legal professionals, the path to becoming a solicitor is defined by tradition: university, the LPC, and a training contract. But for Luke Trudgeon, the journey was quite different.
It started when Luke was aged 18, not with a law degree in hand, but as an apprentice in HCC Solicitors’ client services team, answering calls from new client enquiries. Nearly a decade later, Luke has not only earned his law degree and qualified as a solicitor, but has become a respected voice within the firm and a mentor to others just beginning their own journeys.
Luke’s story is one of perseverance, self-belief, and the power of a supportive culture that nurtures potential. It is also a compelling reflection of HCC Solicitors’ values: investing in people, promoting from within, and creating an environment where careers can be built from the ground up.
A Non-Traditional Start, A Clear Passion for Law
Luke’s career at HCC began at a time when his academic path was still uncertain. After struggling during his first year of college with subjects he did not enjoy, he decided to restart during his second year, and it was then that something clicked.
“I did law during my restart and really enjoyed it,” Luke says. “By the time I reached the end of the first year, my friends were leaving, and I realised I didn’t want to go down the traditional route. I started looking at apprenticeships and came across HCC.”
Luke joined the firm in 2016 as part of a Level 3 legal services apprenticeship, starting in the client services team. His early responsibilities involved taking details of new client enquiries over the phone, a role that laid the foundations of a legal career that would grow steadily over the years.
“I was answering calls from new enquiries,” he explains. “The role helped build my confidence, especially as I was quiet at the time, so it felt as though I was thrown in at the deep end, speaking with different people all day, every day.”
That first step led Luke to opportunities in the MOJ road traffic collision team in an administrative role, then later a file handler. But it was his move into the clinical negligence team that proved transformative.
“I applied for a paralegal role in the clinic negligence team because the team sat near me in the office, and I would hear little bits of information that sounded really interesting, and I could see myself doing that. Back then, it was just three of us myself, Emma Richards and Vicky Hewes, but the team has doubled in size since then, due to the growth of the work we have received.”
Learning on the Job – And in the Classroom
While progressing professionally, Luke was also deepening his academic knowledge. After completing his Level 3 apprenticeship, he enrolled in the Level 7 solicitor apprenticeship. This was an ambitious six-year programme that included both a law degree and preparation for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE).
“While completing my apprenticeship, HCC allowed me to work four days a week and study one day. I got my degree from the University of Law in September 2023, and I’ve since passed my SQE 1 and 2 and qualified as a solicitor in May 2025.”
The balance of working and studying was not always easy for Luke, but HCC’s approach made it possible. “The firm’s been brilliant with supporting me,” he says. “They respected my study days, and I never felt pressure to do extra work when I was supposed to be focusing on exams.”
Luke got a lot of support from all of his colleagues. Emma Richards even helped him prepare for the advocacy portion of the SQE2 exam by running mock sessions. “She’d been called to the Bar before cross-qualifying as a solicitor, so she knew what she was doing. The tips she gave me helped me pass, which was a huge relief, as the advocacy exams were the ones that worried me most.”
Culture That Builds Confidence
For Luke, the culture at HCC has been a crucial part of his journey, from day one through to qualification. “It’s a really relaxed, friendly place. You hear stories about other firms being strict or target-obsessed. HCC isn’t like that at all. Yes, there are targets – HCC is a business after all – but it never feels like pressure.”
Luke speaks openly about how much his confidence has grown, not just as a solicitor, but as a person. “Looking back at my first day with the company, I could never have imagined that I would have gotten to this point.”
HCC’s culture of openness has allowed Luke to ask questions, learn from others, and feel part of something bigger. “I have a habit for saying ‘sorry if this is a stupid question’, but I always receive the same response: ‘there is no such thing as a stupid question,” he says. “Whether it’s a legal question or something about your studies, people are always willing to help.”
Cases That Change Lives, and Careers
While the road to qualification has been rewarding, it is the cases themselves that have given Luke a true sense of purpose. “I find my work to be so rewarding. All our clients have been through really difficult times and knowing that my work is making their lives just that little bit easier, means a lot to me”.
Luke works on a variety of different cases, many of them involving the loss of loved ones due to clinical negligence. “Clients just want answers and want to understand what has happened” he says, “being able to obtain a successful outcome for clients means a lot to me, it allows them to have some closure on the events that took place.”
Luke has also taken an interest in inquest work. He is there to support families through difficult times and help them get the answers that they need. “It is really important that families have representation at Inquests, they can’t be expected to represent themselves”. He strives to secure changes to hospital policies and procedures, to minimise potential harm to other patients.
Helping Others Take Their First Steps
Now that he has qualified, Luke’s goals are to continue building his caseload and assisting partners with their more complex cases, but he also feels it is just as important for him to give back.
“There are a lot of apprentices coming through now. I speak with them regularly, whether it’s about their studies or day-to-day tasks. I’ve had people messaging me since I qualified, asking for tips and advice. I’m always happy to help. It’s the least I can do.”
Luke’s advice for anyone starting out at HCC? “Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Just get stuck in. Everyone here is supportive, and you’ll learn so much.”
Reflections on a Remarkable Journey
Looking back, Luke acknowledges how far he has come. It is not just in his job title or qualifications, but in his mindset and personal development.
“This journey has changed me completely. I’ve grown in confidence, both professionally and personally. Ten years ago, I couldn’t have imagined doing what I do now.
“Qualifying as a solicitor at HCC Solicitors means a lot to me. I’ve been here since the beginning of my career. I started in a junior role, and I’ve worked my way up with the support of a great team. I owe a lot to HCC.
“If I could give people looking for a career in law some advice, I’d say if you’re determined and work hard, you can get to where you want to be. And HCC will help you get there.”
Congratulations
Director, Martin James at would like to thank Luke on behalf HCC Solicitors for his commitment and dedication. “His story is not only a personal triumph, but a powerful example of what is possible when talent meets opportunity in the right environment.”
Careers at HCC
Visit our careers page for information about our current positions, or contact us at careers@hccsolicitors.com if you are interested in a career at HCC Solicitors.