After studying law at GCSE and A Level at St Joseph's in Hebburn, I originally joined Carillion as a paralegal apprentice in September 2017 before the acquisition by Clifford Chance in February 2018.
My first role involved working in the Civil Legal Advice team which specialised in housing and debt support. During my apprenticeship with CILEx, I also gained experience across several practice areas before joining the Litigation and Dispute team in September 2019 when I successfully passed the course.
In August 2022, I was promoted to an L&DR supervisory paralegal which includes responsibilities such as leading projects and overseeing teams of paralegals.
The work
The subject of law has always been an interest of mine and after leaving sixth form, the University route was less appealing as I was determined to expand my knowledge in real life situations whilst also developing my academic skills. Therefore, the apprenticeship was the perfect opportunity to learn on the job and it is a decision I have never looked back on! Working in the legal sector does have its challenges but it is great to have the opportunity to be in an environment that is so diverse and interesting.
Why Clifford Chance
One of the main reasons I see a long term future at Clifford Chance is due to the opportunities for personal growth at the firm. Whether that be internal roles, secondments or paralegal training programmes, the firm covers wide-ranging options that give you the best possible chance to succeed in your career. For example, my long-term aim is to secure a training contract and become a solicitor. This requires a law degree which I am currently completing at the Open University with sponsorship from the firm (an agreed sum of money towards my study fees).
I find working at Clifford Chance to be very rewarding. As a paralegal, you are carrying out tasks for lawyers and are involved in live matters that have huge impacts on our clients.
Furthermore, the office in Newcastle is quite close-knit. In terms of the other offices at Clifford Chance, we are quite small which means everyone knows each other and our teams work closely together on a daily basis, which helps build good relationships!
What makes Clifford Chance different
The Clifford Chance team in Newcastle have always come across very friendly. Everyone is capable of working individually but when we do pull together, we always work very well as a team and are able to do this in groups consisting of paralegals from all the different practice areas.
Tell me about the most rewarding experience you have had at Clifford Chance?
Due to my knowledge of the apprenticeship scheme, I was invited to hold a session with sixth form pupils at my old secondary school to discuss the career opportunities available at Clifford Chance. I really enjoyed going back and seeing familiar faces, particularly my former head of year who was in charge of the class we spoke to! I found it rewarding to reflect on where I am now and to host a presentation that I attended as a student only 5 years before.
My advice
Do not be afraid to ask questions and use all the resources available, particularly the vast level of knowledge your team members and colleagues have.
The best piece of advice you've received so far ?
Remind yourself that feedback is not negative, even if it is not what you expected. There is quite an extensive QC process used at Clifford Chance which includes a scoring system, and at times it can be hard not to be disheartened if you have not performed to your usual level. However, feedback is only provided for your own benefit and as long as you make a note and action accordingly going forward to improve, there will be no issues!
What's your favourite quote?
"You miss every shot that you do not take".
Tell me about what you like best about your job
My role as a supervisory paralegal means that I get the chance to lead projects as well as completing my own tasks. The fact my job has a big emphasis on developing paralegals is something that I really enjoy and I try to model myself on a someone that I would have liked to have supporting me when I first started at the firm.
My motivation
The end goal. I have always wanted to go far in the legal sector and have had aspirations of becoming a solicitor since I first started studying law at the age of 14.
I am very determined to reach this milestone one day and this is very motivating!
