Paralegal Apprentice Review
at DWF
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Legal/Law
Manchester
Review Submitted: May 2021
Overall Rating
4 /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!
3.5/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
3.8/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
4/5
As a Paralegal Apprentice, daily tasks include: managing my own small claims caseload, which involves reviewing cases, drafting letters and negotiating with third parties to agree settlement, all under supervision. I also assist fee earners in the wider team, for example by carrying out research, drafting or more admin based tasks.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
Overall, I enjoy the programme. The work is mostly interesting, and my team are always happy to help me or explain things. The company culture encourages CSR work / volunteering where possible, which I have enjoyed being involved with. The programme has exceeded my expectations, as I did not initially envisage being given such responsibilities.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
Via the BPP course, I am working towards the Level 3 / 4 Apprenticeship, which has involved one day a week of studying. Some modules I have covered include English Legal Systems, Contract, Tort and Dispute Resolution. At work, there are options to attend training courses / learn from others in the team. I think I have developed communication, confidence and legal knowledge as a result.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The programme is overall well organised. I feel that the 20% off the job studying is well structured. I receive enough support, from my supervisor, DWF Emerging Talent team and from BPP. I have quarterly meetings with BPP and with the Emerging Talent Team, but feel that I can always contact them in between. At times, I have not been allocated enough work to meet my targets, but a quick conversation with my supervisor always resolves that.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
I receive enough support, from my supervisor, DWF Emerging Talent team and from BPP. I have quarterly meetings with BPP and with the Emerging Talent Team, but feel that I can always contact them in between if I needed anything. I do not have an allocated mentor, but I have a good relationship with other apprentices and feel supported by my peers.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
I have a tutor with BPP, who I have review meetings with every term. I also have quarterly review meetings with my Apprenticeship Manager at BPP. I feel that the support throughout the programme has been sufficient, however I feel that more regular catch ups leading to the End Point Assessment would have helped me.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
I feel that many of the skills developed thorough my qualification have been useful in work, such as legal research and knowledge of Client Care. The apprenticeship outcomes are relevant to my role, and ensure that I can perform my role. I have studied a module on Dispute Resolution, which I have applied in the workplace in my small claims cases at the pre-action stage.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
As a result of the recent lockdown / COVID-19 restrictions, many of the usual extra-curricular activities have not been able to go ahead. However, DWF encourage involvement with CSR activities (including online / remotely), which I have enjoyed my involvement in. There would usually be regular social events or activities, which I am looking forward to being able to do again after lockdown!
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend DWF to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I would recommend DWF to a friend, as I have had a great experience so far with my apprenticeship. I have enjoyed the BPP side, and feel that it has helped with developing important workplace skills. I feel that I am sufficiently supported at work, and have enjoyed the tasks I have been involved with.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to DWF?
The application process involved an online application, telephone interview and assessment centre (which included an interview, written task and group exercise). I would recommend thoroughly researching DWF and apprenticeships, so that you are clear as to why you want to do an apprenticeship at DWF. I would also recommend attending open days or events where there is an opportunity to ask previous apprentices / HR about the apprenticeship.
