Paralegal Apprentice Review

I am currently a paralegal apprentice in the Lender Services department at DWF. My role involves dealing with various client queries (debt recovery), drafting documents, speaking to advocates and working in a volume work department. Day to day tasks also include corresponding over email and phone to clients.

Yes I have developed various skills throughout my apprenticeship such as my written and verbal communication. I have developed my drafting skills and my ability to be confident working in a team as well as handling my own case load. I have developed my confidence and commercial awareness.

I enjoy the programme as I like working within a large team to achieve goals. Everyone is friendly and approachable meaning I have met some amazing friends. I enjoy the company culture as you feel valued as an employee as they aid you to develop as an individual.

The programme is very well structured from the beginning you are introduced well to DWF and provided support from the get go. You have regular meetings with your mentor/training provider to discuss your progress. There is sufficient training to ensure you feel confident when carrying out tasks.

I feel I received a lot of support from my employer. My manager is always there for guidance if I require it as well as understanding my apprenticeship taking into account study days when allocating work. There is support offered to you as an apprentice and regular meetings to ensure any queries you may have are answered. There is also regular support from the training provider for any module related questions.

I receive a good amount of support from my training provider and I feel I can approach them if I have any queries.

I have been able to apply to the areas of law I have learnt to my role. I have been able to put the theory I have learnt into practise such as client care and drafting. I have been able to carry out legal research in my roll as a result of learning this as one of my modules.

There are various networking activities that you can get involved in from CSR events to Christmas and summer parties. My team is very social and there are always things you can take part in such as extra curriculum events.

Yes

Yes I would recommend DWF to a friend as I have always felt supported, learnt invaluable skills whilst working for a large firm. I have developed as a person throughout my apprenticeship and now have experience that I would not have got had I gone to university. DWF value you and recognise you for your efforts.

The first tip I would give is always be yourself and ensure that the programme is right for you. I would suggest doing your background research to understand the firm and what they have to offer. In regards to the assessment days ensure you feel prepared to show DWF why they should take you on board as an apprentice and what you could bring to the firm.