Apprentice Paralegal Review

My role consists mostly around disclosure, I review different material for a case this means I sometimes describe the documents, decide its relevancy and report back to my supervisor on the task or in case team meetings. I also help on different administration tasks, for example, reviewing interview transcripts, printing bundles and organising bundles.

I have learnt many new skills, I have learnt how the investigation process works and the different legislation the FCA use. I have built on my confidence to contribute in meetings and provide updates on where I am on a task. I have also learnt a lot about disclosure and the dos and donts.

I do enjoy the programme, sometimes the work can be repetitive however the FCA are always wanted you to improve and progress, so I do have the options to move teams for a while and try something new. They really value you as an employer and I feel comfortable voicing my concerns.

The structure of the programme has improved over time, they have taken on the feedback we have given and improved it. At the start the communication wasn't great with BPP however this has really improved and we now have a dedicated person who liaises with BPP when needed, there are also options to move departments if we wanted too.

I receive great support from my employer, at the start of the scheme there was issues with BPP and it was unorganised on there half, I spoke to my employer about this and they understood and spoke to BPP on my behalf. I feel I have there support if I wanted to try new tasks.

The support could have been better from BPP I was always reaching out to them for support and sometimes the turn around would be longer than I would hope especially around exams. If you reach out and are organised with calls, etc they are really good but you have to organise it yourself otherwise you never hear from them.

My qualification wasn't directly relevant to my role, I worked in disclosure in financial crime however I was learning about Criminal law like murder for example. So the content didn't always match. However, it did make me feel much more confident when working as I understood the litigation process and could join in on conversations.

There are lots of activities to get involved in, prior to COVID there were different sports teams to get involved in. I am apart of different groups like a paralegal support group where we discuss our roles, there is so much to do. The social side of the FCA is great they really make an effort for people to build relationships.

Yes

The FCA is a great place to work, you feel valued and they are always open to your worries. I have never felt judged for expressing my concerns if anything they want you too. There are so many training courses to take they really want you to progress. I took part in a search training course which was 3 days long, accommodation, food, travel was paid for and it was such an interesting course and met great people who I never even spoke with before that course.

Be yourself. I know everyone says it but its true, they want to know what your like as a person be confident and friendly. Don't stress about the interviews, etc, they really are lovely people and I now speak to the people who interviewed me and there isn't anything to be afraid of, they want you to do well! Good luck and maybe see you next year.