Daniela Arra: A law graduate’s first year in title insurance
For many law graduates, the trajectory after university feels pre-ordained: secure a traineeship, qualify as a solicitor or barrister, and climb the traditional ranks of practice. Yet, as the legal industry evolves, alternative routes are emerging that blend legal knowledge with risk management and commercial insight, opening doors to careers that are both rewarding and less expected.
One such path is that of Daniela Arra, who joined our Irish team as a Trainee Underwriter immediately after completing her law degree. Now, a year on, her journey illustrates how academic skills can be applied in an alternative industry environment.
Like many graduates, Daniela emerged from university with a strong theoretical foundation but limited exposure to the day-to-day realities of the profession. “We did property and land law for one module, which was only a fraction of the course that spanned 4 years,” she recalls. “In college you look at the cases that shape the law, but you are not told which forms to use or how transactions actually work in practice. The contrast between theory and real-world application was starker than I expected.”
That gap began to close as Daniela stepped into underwriting. Working on missing title deeds, lack of easement issues and, increasingly, complex development projects gave her the chance to put her legal research and analytical skills into practice. The work is rigorous, rather than reacting to issues once they had escalated, underwriting demands foresight and instinct.
“Coming out of a law degree, you’re conditioned to think in terms of solving problems once they arise,” she explains. “Here, it’s very much about risk management. How do you prevent issues before they arise? What’s the likelihood this will ever become a problem?” This shift in perspective has not only reshaped how Daniela approaches legal questions, but also sharpened her commercial judgement and organisational discipline, skills that extend well beyond the legal arena.
Equally important has been the guidance of colleagues. Mentorship, Daniela says, has been central to her development. She credits Senior Underwriter and Solicitor, Aisling Monahan, as an invaluable source of support: “She’s been amazing. Her legal background, combined with her underwriting experience, helped me put everything into perspective.” Collaboration with colleagues across Westcor’s wider network has also enriched her experience, offering insight into how different jurisdictions operate and building her confidence to manage increasingly complex cases under her own authority.
While Daniela has not ruled out a more traditional legal career in the future, she is clear that her time at Westcor has given her something lasting, a broader skill set and a new lens through which to view legal work. “There’s too much pressure for graduates to believe solicitor or barrister are the only options. Taking a non-traditional route gives you a more holistic overview, and all experience is good experience.”
For graduates considering where their degree might take them, Daniela’s route is a reminder that the practice of law extends beyond the courtroom and the firm. Title insurance and underwriting present challenging, commercially significant and legally grounded opportunities, proof that sometimes the most rewarding careers are found outside the traditional path.
