Apprentice Paralegal Review

I am a paralegal apprentice who has their own case load, deals with client and defendant day to day correspondence, preparing instructions to counsel and other experts. I deal with the initial work in the case which consists of obtaining all information and documents, all the way to issuing proceedings if the case does not settle prior. I am in the international personal injury department therefore deal with holiday illness cased.

I definitely have developed my confidence whilst working in this apprenticeship and my time management and organisation skills have also further developed especially in relation to managing working and studying. Professionally I have developed the knowledge of how cased, within this department, are managed and how they should be ran. I am more comfortable in having difficult discussions with both clients and colleagues a like.

I thoroughly enjoy my programme as I feel it is suited to me. There is a lot of support provided by work colleagues and assessors which prevents me from getting stressed or feeling overwhelmed. I find this way to a qualification much more preferable to the university route and in this professional area perhaps slightly quicker than the university route.

I feel very valued by Irwin Mitchell and particularly by the people within my team. I undergo positive monthly one to ones with my supervisor. My team appear confident enough with me to be able to ask for my involvement with their own work which allows me to know I am able to do a good job.

I do not believe the programme is as structured as it could be, due to both Irwin Mitchell and Cilex alike. With the course being completed in September 2018, 6 months away, there has been no advise or development on whether there will be a Level 6 programme or the way that this could be achieved. This makes it difficult to plan for the future. Similarly in relation to Cilex, I do not believe the end point assessments have been organised as efficiently as they could have been. There appears to be much uncertainty in relation to dates, especially considering a request to leave the final 4 months of the apprenticeship available for the EPA's, again making it difficult to plan ahead. In other areas, the programme has been superb, in relation to leaning the context I believe this has been well thought out by Cilex and Irwin Mitchell have been supportive in the same, also providing tasks to assist with the area of learning.

From my main assessor within Cilex, I am comfortable knowing that she is willing to provide help whenever I may need it. This is both on a professional, studious and personal level. Particularly in relation to the course, I feel she excels in her duties to provide support. Similarly, other lecturers/assessors have shown great support in relation to context questions and are usually quick in responding to emails.

Within my immediate team, I receive great support and advice for both professional and studious reasons. They are willing to help and explain things in detail rather than rush through it. I regularly receive feedback which allows me to improve my work and abilities.

With consideration to the minimum wage for apprenticeship, the workplace exceeded my expectations in relation to my salary.

There are regular opportunities to join in with outside work events. there are annual Christmas and financial end parties which are enjoyable. The work supports many charities which run activities to fundraise, for example I am participating on a 17 mile walk along with 40 other employees to raise money.

Yes

It is an enjoyable place to work and employees supportive staff. They support the progress of people and are driven to provide the best service for their clients. With a range of departments and roles available there is a vast mix of people and personalities to get along with.

Be open minded and prepared to work hard. Do not attempt to fake your experience or knowledge as this will only get you in a pickle. being upfront and honest in your abilities is the best way to learn as people will be able to assist you in expanding your knowledge and abilities. m