Apprentice Paralegal Review

I work with my own files and clients to provide them with legal advice and I work mainly amongst my manager and other colleagues within our team to discuss matters - sometimes we refer matters to other departments if this is necessary. I also try to hit billing targets for the month.

I have developed a lot of new skills and I think perhaps the most important skill I have developed is the ability to work under pressure. There are often a lot of deadlines and I have learned how to best try to balance these and the changing priorities in my job.

I enjoy my programme a lot. My training provider and people within our team are incredibly supportive and helpful with any questions I had and continue to have. We also have the apprenticeship manager at our firm who is very supportive and provides all the necessary information on the next steps available and progression.

My programme was very organised and I was informed during my first meeting how it would be structured and what to expect over the course of my apprenticeship. If I needed any further clarification on the next steps, I would always feel comfortable asking my training provider what to expect.

I receive a lot of support from my manager at work who was a big help throughout my apprenticeship. My manager would always attend my meetings with my training provider and set up meetings to discuss my apprenticeship to ensure I was getting the best possible support - both my training provider and manager would provide me with insightful feedback throughout my apprenticeship.

My training provider and in particular, my mentor, were very supportive throughout my apprenticeship. Not only was my mentor there to assist with any queries I had about the apprenticeship itself but also to ensure my wellbeing throughout the programme too. My mentor was always able to provide me with resources for wellbeing.

I feel that my qualification helps me to perform better in my role because I had to complete modules on different aspects of my role which allowed me to pay more attention to my day to day role and competency. It also allowed me to give me the initial framework for legal advice which I learned to apply into my role.

There are a lot of extra-curricular activities available at work including a lot of social events and team days within our departments. We often enjoy going out after work or having set team days to get to know each other more as a team. Our work also encourages us to take volunteering days to help assist the community.

Yes

I would recommend Irwin Mitchell to a friend because they have greatly supported me through my apprenticeship by helping me hone my skills and achieve my qualification. Irwin Mitchell still continues to support me in my career progression moving forwards and my manager and the apprenticeship manager are always available to support me and answer any queries I have.

I would advise anyone applying to Irwin Mitchell to pursue an apprenticeship to read Irwin Mitchell's values and explain how they show these in day to day life. In addition to the values, I would also advise applicants to show a willingness to learn new skills within the apprenticeship.