This case study is from Jack Bradford, Paralegal Apprentice at Simpson Millar.
What is your job title?
Senior Paralegal.
Why did you decide to do an apprenticeship?
I have actually done two apprenticeships, a more general legal administration one when I first joined my firm and now this one which is specific to my practice area, ‘private client’. I never wanted to go to university and the idea of being able to work and study at the same time was attractive to me.
What sort of activities do you do in your role?
I can’t tell you how times have changed since I walked through the door five and a half years ago – from undertaking some very basic admin tasks to having conduct of my own matters as well as obviously assisting other senior members of the team. I mainly work on Court of Protection matters, specifically property and financial affairs, so managing people’s finances that do not have capacity to do so themselves.
What do you enjoy most about your apprenticeship?
Being able to learn about the wider private client practice area that I don’t really have that much involvement with, such as wills and probate. It’s always good to learn something new and I wouldn’t necessarily have learnt the things I have without the apprenticeship.
How is your training with Damar?
Very good, and quite different to my first apprenticeship which was with another provider. I like the mix of being able to learn remotely and also having close contact with my trainer and tutors who deliver the course. They are all very supportive.
What do you think your biggest achievement has been as an apprentice?
I am proud of the two distinctions I obtained in the two exams I have sat to date. Reflecting on where I was when I first started and where I am now, the difference in knowledge and competence could be considered as an achievement.
What do you think you have contributed to your organisation during your apprenticeship?
It’s probably a cliché but I like to think that I have put a lot of effort and hard work into the firm. I like the fact that I started from the bottom and am working my way up the ladder and that isn’t always easy.
What are your career plans after you finish your apprenticeship?
I have nearly finished the level 3 apprenticeship so the plan is to move onto the next level, allowing me to qualify as a Chartered Legal Executive.