The two-year Level 3 Paralegal Apprenticeship run by Coventry University is designed to provide an introduction to the law and legal practice, with key elements including Legal Research, Contract Law and Client Care.
Zoe (age 20), began working at Lodders after leaving college in 2016, now as a Legal Secretary in Lodders’ top ranking Real Estate practice at the firm’s Stratford upon Avon office, and studies a day each week at Coventry University.
She says that the Legal Apprenticeship is the ideal opportunity for her to combine hands-on experience with lecture-room study time, and means she will soon realise her ambition to work in the law:
“I have wanted a career in law for a while, particularly since my first year of studying BTEC Level 3 Business at Stratford upon Avon College,” she says.
“I have thought about the different routes I could take towards achieving my goal of a career in the law, but when I became aware of the apprenticeship I just couldn’t resist. It is such a good opportunity, not least as it allows me to continue working in the environment I love, but also allows me to have a day release each week to go to University to study.
“Lodders is clearly committed to helping the development of its staff,” adds Zoe, “and nurturing their ambition through encouragement and support of their learning and development aims and activities.”
Lodders’ HR Director Sarah Naffine explains that the Level 3 Paralegal Apprenticeship, which was first introduced in September 2016, is another important route for the firm to support its next generation of legal specialists:
“I made direct contact with Coventry University to see what courses they had available that we could add to our comprehensive portfolio of professional development training and opportunities for the team. I was particularly interested in management courses and apprenticeships. The Level 3 Paralegal Apprenticeship is new to Coventry University for this academic year, so we are one of the first law firms to take part.
“I am passionate about creating opportunities for the learning and development of all employees, and particularly supporting ambitious non fee earners who have a desire to progress to more senior roles, so that the firm can encourage the next generation of legal specialists as part of its wider succession plan.
“The apprenticeship route allows us to do this across the firm for far more employees. We are so impressed, that we are exploring other apprenticeship courses to be involved with, including some management courses.”
Zoe adds: “Although I have only been doing the course a few weeks, I would recommend it to anyone who is currently working in law and looking to get into the Paralegal role.
“I am enjoying the apprenticeship so far. It is useful to have the one-on-one time with my University lecturer to discuss my work or any questions, and learning new skills and acquiring fresh knowledge, and to begin developing an understanding of the workings of different areas of the law.”
Alongside, Lodders trainee programme continues this year with Ravinder Heer commencing her last seat in Real Estate, Scott Parmenter joining Corporate & Commercial for his final seat, Emily Cope beginning her third seat in the Family Law team, Suman Dulku starting her third seat in Lodders Dispute Resolution team, new starter Thaddeus Rasbash starting his training in the Private Client team, and former paralegal Lydia Elvin who has joined Lodders’ trainee programme and starts in the firm’s Agriculture and Rural Sector team.
For more information, visit: www.lodders.co.uk
