Meet Nicole Smith and her amazing guide dog, Shai.

Meet Nicole and Shai.

As part of our employee spotlight series, we’re introducing Nicole Smith and her guide dog, Shai. Nicole joined Lanyon Bowdler in April 2023 as a legal support assistant with the Clinical Negligence Team. She began her training contract with us in September 2025, remaining with the Clinical Negligence Team for her first seat. In March 2026, Nicole moved to the Family Team, where she is currently completing her second seat.

From navigating the path to qualification to tackling day-to-day challenges of a legal career. Shai has been by her side throughout the journey.

We caught up with Nicole to learn more about her route into law, her experience as a trainee solicitor, and the partnership she shares with Shai.

What inspired you to pursue a career in law, and what does becoming a solicitor mean to you personally?

I have always enjoyed solving problems and helping people. I wanted a career whereby I could combine these interests in order to help people navigate challenges they may face.

On a more personal level, one of my earliest inspirations to pursue a career in law was actually watching Legally Blonde. Whilst it's often seen as a not very serious answer, I remember being a young girl with a rare eye condition for my age in a world where I found it difficult to resonate with people. Seeing Elle Woods in Legally Blonde showed me, albeit in a fictional world, a woman succeed in a traditionally male-dominated profession and challenge people's assumptions. As a woman with a disability, I found that message particularly powerful. It showed me that determination, resilience, and hard work can overcome stereotypes and preconceived expectations. I hope that one day I can be the representation for at least one other person may need to show them they can pursue a career in law.

Looking back, what has been the proudest moment of your journey to becoming a trainee solicitor so far?

I would have to say the securing of my training contract has been the proudest moment of my journey so far. My training contract represents years of hard work, resilience, and determination manifesting into a milestone. As a woman with a disability, I have experienced more challenges than the average person would have faced. Reaching the milestone of starting my trainee role therefore felt particularly meaningful. It was a reminder that barriers can be overcome and that hard work really does pay off. Since then, I have been proud of the growing confidence and experience I have gained as a trainee, and I am excited to continue learning and developing throughout my career.

Can you tell us about the day you first met Shai and how your partnership has grown overtime?

I still remember the day I found out I had been matched with Shai. At 4:30pm, I received the call to say that I had been matched with a guide dog; the very next morning I was meeting him for the first time.

Everything happened so quickly that there was barely any time for the news to sink in. I was incredibly excited, but also nervous as I was having to learn a new way to navigate the world.

From the moment I met Shai, we both began the process of getting to know one another. Like any partnership, it took time to build trust and to learn each other's personalities, routines, and ways of communicating. Our bond was evident from the moment we met and the more time we spent together, the stronger our bond grew.

Today, Shai is so much more than my guide dog. He has given me greater confidence and independence, and was my motivator to return to University and complete my LPC and Master’s degree achieving a distinction in both. He has been by my side through some significant milestones and he continues to be a part of my journey as a trainee solicitor. Our partnership is built on trust and companionship, and I am incredibly grateful for everything we have achieved together.

If you could describe what Shai means to you in one word, what would it be and why?

Lifeline.

If I had to describe what Shai means to me in only one word, it would be lifeline. Shai has given me the confidence and freedom to navigate the world in a way that I did not think was possible. He has given me independence, empowerment and the confidence to pursue my dreams. He is my partner in every way. Through our partnership, I have been able to focus less on the barriers I might face in navigating the world both professionally and personally and focus more on making the most of life together. Shai continues to be my companion and lifeline every day and for that I able proud that he is able to be by my side as I continue my role as a trainee solicitor.