LLB (Hons) Law, 2018

Family Law Paralegal

What did you enjoy the most during your course?

I enjoyed the course itself and learning all the different areas of law that the course covers as well as choosing my optional subjects and being able to learn areas of law I have always been interested in. I also enjoyed meeting and talking to new people who shared the same interests and aspirations as me. My lecturers, too, were always full of advice and experience, and always happy to speak to you about your career options.

What were the most important skills you developed during your course and how did these help you in your career?

I developed good communication skills and professionalism whilst studying at the University of Bedfordshire. These skills have helped me when it comes to communicating with clients. I have also learnt professionalism as my lecturers would always encourage us to write our emails to them in a professional manner. The course also developed my mooting skills and confidence - something I use in my current line of work.

Did you participate in any extra-curricular activities during your studies at Bedfordshire?

I participated in the Law Clinic as a student advisor, which was highly rewarding as I was able to communicate with clients and put into practice what I had learnt while studying. I developed skills like interviewing, phoning and emailing clients,and file management as well as maintaining confidentiality when dealing with clients.

I participated in the Nursing and Midwifery Council moot which was an amazing experience. It allowed me to develop my mooting skills outside of an assessment-based setting.

I also participated in the Go Global scheme that the University offered to all students. I travelled to Beijing, Vietnam and Mauritius, where I experienced different cultures and met students from different parts of the world. The University provided extra credits on top of my degree for participating in this life-changing programme.

Why did you choose the University of Bedfordshire?

I chose to study at Bedfordshire because the campus was close to home and easy to get to. The law course is outstanding and is always rated highly for student satisfaction. I had a look at the course content before applying and it suited me perfectly as the University offered family law and child law as separate electives in the final year.

What is a typical day at work?

Working as a family law paralegal in London, no day is the same. I work part-time and share my workload with colleagues, which is challenging as I have to stay up to date with clients’ cases. Once I come into the office, I check my emails, reply to what is needed and record doing this in the retrospective client files. Further on in the day, I can be considering various reports; calling counsel and courts; preparing bundles for court for the client; or speaking to new and existing clients and booking them in for appointments. Working in a law firm is far from a relaxed job but it is an amazing profession to go into.

What would be your advice to students starting their course now?

My advice would be to prepare for classes and engage in the seminars to the best of your ability. It is important to speak to your lecturers if there is something you do not understand. It is paramount that you do not fall behind in classes, and that you keep up to date with your reading and own research. Complete assignments in advance so you can proofread them multiple times to ensure there are no mistakes and you have not missed any vital information that could get you those extra marks.

What are your future career plans?

Once I have completed my LPC LLM I am planning on completing a training contract and then practicing family law as a full-time solicitor.