Apprentice Paralegal Review

I prepare bundles and folders ready for court hearings or meetings, making sure everything we need is included in the folder. I also draft letters and emails to clients/colleagues to inform them and update them of the progress of their case. Another thing that I often do is calling courts to chase documents and ensure the cases roll at an acceptable pace. I also prepare instructions to counsel to give them a brief of key parts of a certain case, and I work with others to ensure we have everything we need in bundles.

I have developed my communication skills hugely, whether that be talking to someone face to face, or having a telephone conversation. I have learnt how to approach different people and how to read their body language more in depth to help judge how they are feeling. When I first started my role, I didn't know much about law at all, but after only a few month of doing my job, I have learnt so much about Family Law and the procedures involved.

I have really enjoyed the first few months of my role - I have really enjoyed learning about the different types of cases (financial issues, children proceedings, divorce), as well as learning about the different procedures that may need to be used in complex cases (e.g. CAFCASS report or expert report), gives me a broad range of knowledge. I enjoy putting bundles together, as this tests my problem solving and perseverance skills.

I think my programme is well structured - I have a timetable of when my webinars are and what tasks I need to complete before any webinars, which is very useful. I have one day at home a week to do my studying, which I think is good because this gives you a whole day to focus on the theory side of things and concentrate on that alone for the day.

I receive lots of support from my employer. I had an exam back in January and when I had some free time at work, I was able to revise to ensure I reached the best results I possibly could. I believe this helped me pass my exam and also gave me a lot of extra knowledge to help me whilst in the workplace.

I have a progress review with my legal assessor and trainer ever 6 weeks, where she will call me or come into my work place to find out how I'm doing. I believe this is beneficial, because she can keep an eye on me and let me know if she thinks I could be doing anything differently, or praise me if I'm doing something well. At every progress review, we also carry out a mock interview, which is helpful for the future.

Before I started my role, my knowledge about family law was extremely minimal, but carrying out tasks in the workplace, as well as studying with CILEx, I am gaining more and more knowledge everyday, and becoming more familiar with Family Law. The content that I am learning with my training provider hugely influences the way I carry out my role and my knowledge about certain aspects.

We have lots of wider training opportunities in the firm, for example someone came in to give a session about how to deal with stress and how to notice when things are becoming too much. This is useful because it shows that the employers care and want to help their employees in any way possible. We also have a charity of the year, and the staff enjoy taking part in all sorts of fundraising activities, such as bake sales.

Yes

They are a great employer who offer many progression and wider training opportunities. They also have a charity of the year, and the staff enjoy taking part in all sorts of fundraising activities, such as bake sales. This shows that the firm tries their very best to raise money for people who are less fortunate.

I would advise to be yourself, and have a positive attitude to any tasks you do. I feel that having a positive attitude makes everyone feel more at ease and this creates a happier environment. Also, just be open-minded and work with colleagues to create solutions to any problems in the work place or whilst carrying out tasks.