Paralegal Apprentice Review

As a Paralegal Apprentice, daily tasks include: managing my own small claims caseload, which involves reviewing cases, drafting letters and negotiating with third parties to agree settlement, all under supervision. I also assist fee earners in the wider team, for example by carrying out research, drafting or more admin based tasks.

Via the BPP course, I am working towards the Level 3 / 4 Apprenticeship, which has involved one day a week of studying. Some modules I have covered include English Legal Systems, Contract, Tort and Dispute Resolution. At work, there are options to attend training courses / learn from others in the team. I think I have developed communication, confidence and legal knowledge as a result.

Overall, I enjoy the programme. The work is mostly interesting, and my team are always happy to help me or explain things. The company culture encourages CSR work / volunteering where possible, which I have enjoyed being involved with. The programme has exceeded my expectations, as I did not initially envisage being given such responsibilities.

The programme is overall well organised. I feel that the 20% off the job studying is well structured. I receive enough support, from my supervisor, DWF Emerging Talent team and from BPP. I have quarterly meetings with BPP and with the Emerging Talent Team, but feel that I can always contact them in between. At times, I have not been allocated enough work to meet my targets, but a quick conversation with my supervisor always resolves that.

I receive enough support, from my supervisor, DWF Emerging Talent team and from BPP. I have quarterly meetings with BPP and with the Emerging Talent Team, but feel that I can always contact them in between if I needed anything. I do not have an allocated mentor, but I have a good relationship with other apprentices and feel supported by my peers.

I have a tutor with BPP, who I have review meetings with every term. I also have quarterly review meetings with my Apprenticeship Manager at BPP. I feel that the support throughout the programme has been sufficient, however I feel that more regular catch ups leading to the End Point Assessment would have helped me.

I feel that many of the skills developed thorough my qualification have been useful in work, such as legal research and knowledge of Client Care. The apprenticeship outcomes are relevant to my role, and ensure that I can perform my role. I have studied a module on Dispute Resolution, which I have applied in the workplace in my small claims cases at the pre-action stage.

As a result of the recent lockdown / COVID-19 restrictions, many of the usual extra-curricular activities have not been able to go ahead. However, DWF encourage involvement with CSR activities (including online / remotely), which I have enjoyed my involvement in. There would usually be regular social events or activities, which I am looking forward to being able to do again after lockdown!

Yes

I would recommend DWF to a friend, as I have had a great experience so far with my apprenticeship. I have enjoyed the BPP side, and feel that it has helped with developing important workplace skills. I feel that I am sufficiently supported at work, and have enjoyed the tasks I have been involved with.

The application process involved an online application, telephone interview and assessment centre (which included an interview, written task and group exercise). I would recommend thoroughly researching DWF and apprenticeships, so that you are clear as to why you want to do an apprenticeship at DWF. I would also recommend attending open days or events where there is an opportunity to ask previous apprentices / HR about the apprenticeship.