I first started working in a law firm in 2014 as a Business Administration Apprentice/Office Junior, mainly helping on reception and undertaking general day to day admin tasks.
From this role I gained valuable experience as to how a law firm operates, all the varied areas of law and importantly customer service skills.
Once I had completed my Business Administration Apprenticeship, I was offered to progress to become a legal assistant in the conveyancing department and in 2017 I started my Chartered Legal Executive Apprenticeship with Cilex Law School.
The apprenticeship was a big commitment being 7 years from start to finish but since I had began working in a law firm I quickly knew that this was the career path I wanted to do and become qualified. I had never heard of alternative routes into obtaining a legal qualification other than the traditional university route until this point and I am grateful to have been given the opportunity to complete studies alongside gaining valuable practical experience whilst working.
During my apprenticeship I have undertaken studies and exams in many different areas of law including – Introduction to Law and Practice, Client Care Skills, Legal Research Skills, Land Law, Conveyancing, Contract Law, Law of Tort, Criminal Law, The Law of Wills and Succession, Probate Practice and Family Law. I am currently due to sit my final exam in June 2023 before hopefully obtaining graduate status and eventually qualifying in 2024.
Aside from my early job role as an office junior, I have only ever worked in the conveyancing department, and I am now approaching 9 years’ experience. Over this time, I have developed the skills and knowledge of conveyancing transactions including, residential freehold sales/purchases, residential leasehold sales/purchases, re-mortgages, transfer of equity, new build and assisting with some commercial conveyancing transactions.
In September 2022, I achieved my first fee earner job at Oakwood Property Solicitors with my own case load. After years of assisting and building my knowledge this is something I am highly proud of and feel like my confidence has excelled since I have started working at Oakwood.
I enjoy conveyancing because it is rewarding yet challenging at times and no day is the same. My biggest job satisfaction is being able to call clients to confirm completion has taken place – particularly on purchases where I know clients will have worked hard to achieve and purchase their dream homes. I am looking forward to hopefully achieving graduate status in 2023, qualifying in 2024 and continuing my career in conveyancing.
Further reading
Purchases – Oakwood Solicitors
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