College to Contracts: My First Year as a Paralegal Apprentice

When I left college last summer, I knew that I wanted to dive straight into a legal career but not in the traditional way. Instead of heading to university I wanted to gain hands-on experience in a real law firm. This decision led me into starting a paralegal apprenticeship at Feldon Dunsmore joining the plot sales team in September.

From Classroom to Contracts

Joining a law firm straight out of college was definitely a jump with formal titles complicated vocabulary and unfamiliar work. However, this transition was made smoother and enjoyable through the incredible support from colleagues at every level including partners and senior solicitors. The opportunity to work with colleagues at all levels and experience has been invaluable. As an apprentice, learning doesn’t just happen from textbooks but working with those more knowledgeable.

So what is Plot Sales?

Plot sales is a niche area of property law where we work closely with housing development and developers in selling new build plots to buyers. This means dealing with high volumes of fast paced transactions.  This has been a great team for me to begin my legal career teaching me key skills including the need for attention to detail, prioritisation of tasks and effective communication skills.

Balancing work and study

Being an apprentice means balancing real work with structured learning. In my apprenticeship, I’m currently working towards a paralegal qualification with plans to qualify early next year and move on to the Solicitor Apprenticeship route via the SQE (Solicitors Qualifying Examination). My paralegal course is done through one study day a week where I take part in workshops, complete assignments and build the knowledge I need for my role.  During the rest of the week, I have the opportunity to apply what I learn into real work and see how principles work in practice.

Legal Apprenticeships

Legal apprenticeships feel like a relatively new route into the profession and might not be as widely known as the traditional university path. Nevertheless, it’s a unique opportunity a chance to earn legal qualifications, gain legal experience and build your legal career at the same time.

For those interested in law I would highly recommend the apprenticeship route it can be challenging but is rewarding with lots of opportunities. That being said, legal apprenticeships are competitive and if you are considering this route I would recommend:

Start early in researching law firms offering apprenticeships

Be organised and meet application deadlines

Choose firms which align with your interests and values

Tailor each application to that company

If you have an interest in legal apprenticeships or life in property law, make sure to keep an eye out for future opportunities and vacancies on our website and social media.