Apprentice Paralegal Review

On a daily basis, I communicate with clients and colleagues discussing a wide variety of claims. I draft important documents such as claim forms and also take witness statements. I also deal with a lot of new enquiries, this includes collating information/ evidence from clients then assessing the likelihood that the case will be successful.

My communication skills have definitely developed a lot despite having those skills prior to my apprenticeship through working in customer service. This apprenticeship has enabled me to improve my communication skills not only with clients but with colleagues too. my written skills have also improved, learning how to write in a way so they everyone is able to understand the message/ point clearly and effectively.

I really enjoy my apprenticeship. I initially went to university to study law but I was not able to complete my degree due to personal reasons. This apprenticeship has allowed me to learn the legal basics and apply it to an everyday role. This approach to learning is something that is very well suited to me.

I think that each department is different but with my department final goals/ achievements are very clear. I understand what I want to achieve and my boss agrees. Shadowing is my main way of learning and despite this being more difficult through working from home, it does not stop me from learning.

I receive a lot of support from my employer, whether that's for apprenticeship reasons or personal reasons. I had a difficult time at the beginning of this year due to personal reasons and work could not have handled it better. I've also had some difficulties within the workplace but again, work have ben very supportive and guided me where I need to be.

I have 7 hours a week dedicated to study. At first it was off to a rocky start as messages weren't clear and many of us were unsure of what was required. But after speaking to our apprenticeship lead at my organisation, this was quickly resolved. Any issues or confusion is dealt with quickly and swiftly.

I think the number one thing is definitely experience. There are so many ways a claim can go and by shadowing and working on those claims you get to see it more and more. Because you're doing things on a daily basis you are then able to apply situations you have dealt with at work to the academic aspect of legal learning which allows me to develop a greater understanding.

I have been quite active on the business development side focusing on apprenticeships. Because not many people know about apprenticeships I decided to get the message out by going back into schools/ colleges to discuss the alternative options students have. I use LinkedIn quite a lot which has enabled me to spread the message of apprenticeships to a wider audience. I have also done a podcast with my organisation to discuss life at IM as an apprentice.

Yes

Its a great place to work, they are supportive and they don't see you as robots, they see you as people. Yes there is the pressure of any workplace however, if you have any issues you are able to discuss it with the correct persons and they are more than happy to assist. They also have lots of great benefits and the pay for apprentices is much higher than the minimum apprentice wage.

Just be yourself. IM are very big on characters/ personality. They view it as an asset and it is something that they take great pride in. I would also say having that drive and determination to always want more will put you in a great position as IM are always looking at ways to not only progress the business but also progress individuals careers.