Paralegal Apprentice Review
at DWF
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Legal/Law
Liverpool
Review Submitted: March 2021
Overall Rating
4.9 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
5/5
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
4.8/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
As a paralegal I assist other legal professionals within my team. Every day is different in my role and I am being exposed to many different aspects of this type of work. My responsibilities include, but are not limited to, meeting court deadlines, drafted court documents and carrying out financial checks. In addition, I often carry out administration work such as preparing bundles for court.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I really enjoy my programme. There are so many people around who are willing to support me and I think this is what makes DWF stand out from other firms. I am learning/developing different skills each week and developing as a person. I also consider my colleagues as friends, which I think is highly important.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Having joined DWF at the age of 18, I had rarely used the telephone in a professional manner before. I am now calling clients and the court several times a week. This has allowed me to develop my confidence when carrying out phone calls, as it was something I wasn't used to. At DWF, there are several ways of developing/learning skills. I have took part in several apprenticeship meetings whereby I talk to younger students and tell them about the apprenticeship. This is something I would never have done prior to joining the apprenticeship or DWF.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
I think my programme is extremely well organised. I have time to work and study at the same time. I am not only learning about the law, but learning more about myself and what I am capable of. I always have the support there if needed or if I am struggling. However, am still being pushed to be the best lawyer I can be.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I receive a of support from my employer. My supervisor is always a phone call away and there to provide help if I need it. My team are also extremely helpful if I need support.
My apprenticeship manager is always on hand if needed, and provides us necessary updates with our programme.
Finally, all of the apprentices, from paralegal to solicitor, are very helpful and we all help each other out if needed.
My apprenticeship manager is always on hand if needed, and provides us necessary updates with our programme.
Finally, all of the apprentices, from paralegal to solicitor, are very helpful and we all help each other out if needed.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
My training providing gives regular updates via email, meaning I always know what I am suppose to be doing at each given time. They provide Q&A sessions also, which I find really useful as I feel like I wouldn't be as up to date as I am without these.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
As previously stated, each day is different in my role which I feel really helps me develop/learn new skills. What I learn within the apprenticeship really helps with my day-to-day role and vice-versa. Learning on the job gives you a great perspective of how things work. I often put theory work into practice!
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
Yes, there are many opportunities given by DWF. These include sports teams, both after work and at lunch, and social events. We are given the opportunity to mix/create relationships with people from other teams, who we may not necessarily see in our work day. There are also many opportunities to help the local and wider community.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend DWF to a friend?
Yes
Why?
DWF has such a friendly environment. I feel like I have made genuine friends out of my colleagues and enjoy going to work because of this. I feel like I am a valued member of my team and the wider DWF community, despite being an apprentice. I also feel like I am recognised for the work I complete.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to DWF?
Be yourself! You may not feel like you're not the best in the room. However, this doesn't matter. As long as you show your own personality you will go far. When completing group interviews, ensure to participate whilst listening to your team members at the same time.
DWF are there to help you grow and improve and are looking to see your personality shine through.
DWF are there to help you grow and improve and are looking to see your personality shine through.
