Apprenticeships 17
Name: Jordan Coulton
Job Title: Paralegal
Company / employer: Weightmans LLP
Apprenticeship / training: Level 4 Apprenticeship in Legal Services
Twitter (optional): @WeightmansLLP
1. What's a typical day like for you?
I get involved with all aspects of the practice area which includes
carrying out work on the support team such as opening matters onto
the case management systems, getting involved in management
information and as well as closing down matters. I also carry out a
proportion of fee earning duties too which includes collating
documents to produce bundle of documents, assisting in drafting
witness statements as well as liaising with clients, Employment
Tribunal, ACAS and opponents.
2. What has been the most memorable day of your Apprenticeship
so far?
The most memorable day so far is the day I started to transition into
a fee earner role by being able to charge for my time when carrying
out responsibilities on live files.
This made me realise that my apprenticeship was moving forward
and that I will continue to progress throughout my time here at
Weightmans.
3. Why did you decide to become an apprentice?
When I read more information about the scheme and the
progression after completion of the apprenticeship it seemed to make
more sense to take a route into a career in law which provided me
with more practical experience, no student debt, an opportunity to
learn from experienced solicitors/legal executives and the chance to
earn a salary
4. What are the best things about being an apprentice?
There are so many benefits of being an apprentice here at
Weightmans. I can earn whilst I learn and be part of a structured
program were progression is planned and achievable. Additionally
my higher level qualification is all paid for removing the worry of
student debt and I am also part of a top 40 law firm which is
exciting in itself. I also enjoy those aspects which involves learning
from different members of the team from partners to paralegals as I
am gaining that breath and depth of practical knowledge I would not
have gained had I enrolled on a law degree.
5. What are the best things about working in the industry you work
in?
The best thing about working in the legal services is, for me, the fact
that the law constantly is changing, particularly in employment. It is
therefore a contemporary sector to work in as I know everyday is not
going to be the same and it is about applying the academic
knowledge and skills have learnt in a practical way.
6. What's the most surprising thing you've learnt during your
Apprenticeship?
One surprising thing I have learnt, especially working in
employment law, is that the law in this area changes so quickly and
at least once a week! But this makes working in this practice area all
the more exciting as I am constantly developing my knowledge
which will be applied in practically in different cases.
7. What would you say to someone thinking about applying for an
Apprenticeship?
I would tell them to definitely consider it but research the program
they wish to apply for. There are so many benefits of being an
apprentice such as earning whilst learning, getting a foot on the
career ladder in a practical real world working environment as
opposed to students, no student debt and also the fact that
apprentice get to learn from experienced professionals. But,
apprenticeships can be challenging as it does not just stop in the
workplace, we have to go home and carry on studying and so for
those who want to be busy and can find that balance they should
definitely consider applying for an apprenticeship.
8. What do you think are the biggest myths about Apprenticeships?
The biggest myth is that it is an easier route than university.
In some ways it is in fact more difficult. Completing an
apprenticeship is about balancing work, studies and a social life too.
The scheme is not just delivered in the workplace, it is independent
in the fact that I have to go home and start my studies after a long
day at the office. Its far from a student lifest 屔