Apprentice paralegal Review

My role is to support the fee earners in my team with their cases. This could include attending client meetings, drafting documents, chasing insurance providers/ banks etc for information. I also help assist with any new enquries which come in, this includes calling/ emailing the client for more information and passing them onto the correct fee earner.

A skill which has massively grown is my communication skills. I have learnt the different communication styles and how each style comes with a different techical - for example a letter is very formal however an email is a bit less formal. My drafting skills is a new skill I have picked up and I am still learning the ropes with.

I got one day off a week to study. I tended to base my study day around when my classes were. I never felt overwhelmed with work due to having a day to study. I would have a catch up with my coach every 6 weeks to check on my progress and answer any questions I may have. My manager was able to join every other meeting to check on my progress and see what he can support me with.

It took sometime to understand the programme and what was expected of me. I had 5 text books overall but I only had classes for 3 of them which was fine. The programme gave me freedom in the sense that I didn't have strict deadlines to meet and my classes were all recorded.

My team were very flexible when it came to my study days. I would also discuss my modules with my manager so they were able to provide support where needed. Our apprentice manager would put on drop-in sessions every few weeks if we had any questiions or feedback - I found these really helpful.

I had 6 weeks meeting with my coach where we would go through the work I had submitted and she would provide any feedback to me. We would also discuss future work and give him tips for that. My manager would join this meeting every other time. My coach was available via email as well.

I studied the area I work in so I found my apprentice work really helped my day to day job as they complimented each other. We also had text books on client care skills which helped my communication skills and how I interact with clients - this was because part of our exam was communication based.

We have a sports and social committee which put on advents if people are interested. We always have a Christmas party of some kind and end of year celebrations to celebrate everyones hard work over the year. We have virtual things going on as well like art classes and yoga.

Yes

I feel very supported in my work place and they are keen for me to learn and grow. We have great benefits like flexible working and shopping discounts. My team were welcoming and understanding of my study day. I would recommend Irwin Mitchell as a company as it is a great place to work.

My advice would be to research the company history and morals. Come up with scenarios to show when you have done something which alines with our morals. Think hard about why Irwin Mitchell as opposed to another law firm and think about why you would like to work for the department you are applying for.