Paralegal position in London

[BY19]

Hi, I am graduating from my Law undergraduate degree this year and I am hoping to secure a full-time paralegal position for a year at a City firm.

Could anyone please share their experience of what that is like? I am particularly interested in what the workload and working hours are like, and the type of typical work you would get on a day-to-day basis.

Thank you!

 

[v123]

Hi there!

I think it really depends on what practice area you're working in. I had an admin role working across 7 practice areas at a law firm (including private client/family/corporate/real estate) and the paralegals in each department all worked different hours/had different tasks etc.

 

[JKs]

Hi

I'm a paralegal at a magic circle firm in their financial regulation practice. In terms of working hours, this typically varies from 8-10 hours daily although depending on what matters you are on, I have had quite a few late night finishes! Regarding type of work, I find that this varies from department to department as I know that some paralegals who are based in dispute resolution, tend to have more document heavy tasks such as document review, bundling and indexing etc. For me, I work on a lot of regulatory surveys so I am in contact with foreign counsel on a daily basis and I also work on a lot regulatory investigations and regulatory applications to the FCA/PRA. The longer you spend in a particular department and the better the relationships you build with the fee earners in your department, the more responsibility you are given and I am on a lot of matters where I am the only junior member and I essentially carry out the same level of work as the trainees in my department.

 

[JA]

Hello,

I work as a paralegal in a global law firm in their international arbitration practice. The hours are usually good and I am usually out of the office by 6pm. As for the workload, I don't have a fixed workload as I get various ad hoc tasks everyday. I don't usually do the same thing every week but I do mainly bundling, indexing, reference checking witness statements, research, proofreading documents/submissions and helping with case filings.

The tasks you will be given will depend on the practice area, with typical transactional paralegal tasks being: due diligence, drafting basic documents, data room management, organising deal signings and research etc. The work isn't always that interesting but there is a good variety to it.

It may be difficult to get a paralegal job at a city firm straight out of uni or without the LPC as many law firms require applicants to have completed the LPC or have previous experience. However, I got the job a couple of months after graduating from my law degree so it is not impossible. I would recommend using LinkedIn Job Search (this is how I found my current paralegal job) and the following recruitment agencies when searching for paralegal jobs: Law Support, Page Personnel, Taylor Root and EJ Legal. The agencies often recruit for paralegal poitions which don't require the LPC.

 

[Charity Mafuba]

I am in the same boat, struggling to get a paralegal role since I graduated from my undergraduate degree last year

 

[Selina]

Hiya!

Always happy to offer insights based on my own experience I'm currently working as a Paralegal in a small City firm which specialises in construction and insurance. I agree with everyone here when they said that the work definitely depends on the firm you work for - I've found that larger firms tend to have paralegals for specific teams or departments whereas small to medium-sized firms might have more general paralegals who are sat together. Smaller firms also tend to have a less rigorous recruitment process and fewer requirements for the role as well (I'm non-law and have yet to study the GDL)!

Re. hours and workload - my hours are quite friendly, I get in between 9:00-9:30 and I'm usually out by 6:00 unless there's urgent work to be done (which is rare). The workload varies - I juggle 2-3 tasks on the go which is great because it means I get to do a variety of interesting work (it also breaks up my day nicely). Since my firm is quite small, I often work alongside the firm's few trainees and have made good friends here. As for day-to-day activities, I'm involved in quite a lot of doc review, research (for legal matters and for the firm's business development), and other bits and pieces such as bundling, producing chronologies, summarising articles, cross-referencing, etc. I've also attended court and some networking seminars/events.

The working and City life definitely takes some getting used to (the commute in particular </3), especially if you're straight out of uni like me but I'm really enjoying it generally! The firm I'm at has a really nice culture and everyone is super friendly which makes a huge difference.

I would recommend using LinkedIn and sending your CV and covering letter directly to firms over email - especially the latter (you never know what could happen!). Sometimes it's about timing as well - the firm in question could be particularly busy at that time and need an extra pair of hands. Good luck and I hope this helps!

 

[Syafiqkay92]

Hiya!

Always happy to offer insights based on my own experience I'm currently working as a Paralegal in a small City firm which specialises in construction and insurance. I agree with everyone here when they said that the work definitely depends on the firm you work for - I've found that larger firms tend to have paralegals for specific teams or departments whereas small to medium-sized firms might have more general paralegals who are sat together. Smaller firms also tend to have a less rigorous recruitment process and fewer requirements for the role as well (I'm non-law and have yet to study the GDL)!

Re. hours and workload - my hours are quite friendly, I get in between 9:00-9:30 and I'm usually out by 6:00 unless there's urgent work to be done (which is rare). The workload varies - I juggle 2-3 tasks on the go which is great because it means I get to do a variety of interesting work (it also breaks up my day nicely). Since my firm is quite small, I often work alongside the firm's few trainees and have made good friends here. As for day-to-day activities, I'm involved in quite a lot of doc review, research (for legal matters and for the firm's business development), and other bits and pieces such as bundling, producing chronologies, summarising articles, cross-referencing, etc. I've also attended court and some networking seminars/events.

The working and City life definitely takes some getting used to (the commute in particular </3), especially if you're straight out of uni like me but I'm really enjoying it generally! The firm I'm at has a really nice culture and everyone is super friendly which makes a huge difference.

I would recommend using LinkedIn and sending your CV and covering letter directly to firms over email - especially the latter (you never know what could happen!). Sometimes it's about timing as well - the firm in question could be particularly busy at that time and need an extra pair of hands. Good luck and I hope this helps!

Hi Selina

Thank you for sharing this information. Really useful.

Just wondering if you can share more about your experience when applying for paralegal position without a law degree. Here are some questions:

1. What skills are essential to succeed in the role?
2. What are the concerns that recruiters often mentioned when reviewing your application? So that I can preemptively address these concerns in my cover letter.
3. What do you think I can do to increase my chances of getting a paralegal position?
4. How do you pitch yourself to get the position?
5. What resources do you think I should look into to prepare myself for the role?

To give you a bit of context, I graduated in 2016 in pharmacy and have been working in various roles since then which sometimes involve liaising with lawyers. Attended a few interviews for a training contract but was not successful. One common feedback that I received is a lack of relevant experience. So, I thought, it would be a good idea to get a job as a paralegal as a way to gain relevant experience rather than applying for a vac scheme due to a personal constraint. What do you think?

Thank you.

Your advice and insight are much appreciated.

Regards,
Syafiq.

 

[Selina]

Hi Selina

Thank you for sharing this information. Really useful.

Just wondering if you can share more about your experience when applying for paralegal position without a law degree. Here are some questions:

1. What skills are essential to succeed in the role?
2. What are the concerns that recruiters often mentioned when reviewing your application? So that I can preemptively address these concerns in my cover letter.
3. What do you think I can do to increase my chances of getting a paralegal position?
4. How do you pitch yourself to get the position?
5. What resources do you think I should look into to prepare myself for the role?

To give you a bit of context, I graduated in 2016 in pharmacy and have been working in various roles since then which sometimes involve liaising with lawyers. Attended a few interviews for a training contract but was not successful. One common feedback that I received is a lack of relevant experience. So, I thought, it would be a good idea to get a job as a paralegal as a way to gain relevant experience rather than applying for a vac scheme due to a personal constraint. What do you think?

Thank you.

Your advice and insight are much appreciated.

Regards,
Syafiq.

Hey Syafiq,

Sorry for my late reply - I've just seen this! I'll send you a PM.

 

[Amelia Marks]

Hey Syafiq,

Sorry for my late reply - I've just seen this! I'll send you a PM.

Hi Selena

I am also in the process of applying to paralegal positions in the City.
I would also be grateful of you could share more about your experience when applying for paralegal position without a law degree. I'd like to ask the same questions as Syafiq:

1. What skills are essential to succeed in the role?
2. What are the concerns that recruiters often mentioned when reviewing your application? So that I can preemptively address these concerns in my cover letter.
3. What do you think I can do to increase my chances of getting a paralegal position?
4. How do you pitch yourself to get the position?
5. What resources do you think I should look into to prepare myself for the role?

Thank you!

 

[Yee Rou Quah]

Hi all!

I am currently working at CMS as Client Management Assistant and my contract is about to come to an end. There is a vacancy in place! Please let me know if you are interested and I can provide more information about the role, why I decided to work in business development prior to starting my training contract, and what I believe you will gain from this job if your ultimate aim is to become a trainee solicitor.

Thanks!

 

[Selina]

Hi Selena

I am also in the process of applying to paralegal positions in the City.
I would also be grateful of you could share more about your experience when applying for paralegal position without a law degree. I'd like to ask the same questions as Syafiq:

1. What skills are essential to succeed in the role?
2. What are the concerns that recruiters often mentioned when reviewing your application? So that I can preemptively address these concerns in my cover letter.
3. What do you think I can do to increase my chances of getting a paralegal position?
4. How do you pitch yourself to get the position?
5. What resources do you think I should look into to prepare myself for the role?

Thank you!

I'll send you a PM as well.

 

[Syafiqkay92]

Hi all!

I am currently working at CMS as Client Management Assistant and my contract is about to come to an end. There is a vacancy in place! Please let me know if you are interested and I can provide more information about the role, why I decided to work in business development prior to starting my training contract, and what I believe you will gain from this job if your ultimate aim is to become a trainee solicitor.

Thanks!

Hi Yee

Is the position still available? I am interested if it is.

Regards,
Syafiq.

 

[Yee Rou Quah]

Hi Yee

Is the position still available? I am interested if it is.

Regards,
Syafiq.

Yes it is! Let me PM you

 

[Arash]

Hi everybody

This thread seems to be a bit dated, however I'm facing the same issue, since my graduation (LLM) not LPC, I've been trying to get training contract, and no success yet, I'm trying to get a Paralegal role but I haven't been successful, I used be an events manager and my legal experience is limited to internships although my other skills are transferable, anyone facing the same trouble?

Thanks

Arash

 

[TM]

Hi everybody

This thread seems to be a bit dated, however I'm facing the same issue, since my graduation (LLM) not LPC, I've been trying to get training contract, and no success yet, I'm trying to get a Paralegal role but I haven't been successful, I used be an events manager and my legal experience is limited to internships although my other skills are transferable, anyone facing the same trouble?

Thanks

Arash

I am in the same boat my friend. I guess it is particularly difficult given the current situation to get a paralegal role as some practices are completely diminished. On the other hand practices like insolvency, disputes, and insurance are thriving. Anyway I believe, it is a matter of patience right now, everything will come back to normal soon. Stay strong guys!

 

[amb98]

Hi everybody

This thread seems to be a bit dated, however I'm facing the same issue, since my graduation (LLM) not LPC, I've been trying to get training contract, and no success yet, I'm trying to get a Paralegal role but I haven't been successful, I used be an events manager and my legal experience is limited to internships although my other skills are transferable, anyone facing the same trouble?

Thanks

Arash

Yes really struggling to find any paralegal opportunities in the current market. Recruiters also not responding.
I was wondering what other graduates in a similar position were doing to boost their chances?

 

[Arash]

I am in the same boat my friend. I guess it is particularly difficult given the current situation to get a paralegal role as some practices are completely diminished. On the other hand practices like insolvency, disputes, and insurance are thriving. Anyway I believe, it is a matter of patience right now, everything will come back to normal soon. Stay strong guys!

Hopefully, however the reality of the industry is that most firms are utilising AI to take over most Paralegal duties.

 

[Arash]

Yes really struggling to find any paralegal opportunities in the current market. Recruiters also not responding.
I was wondering what other graduates in a similar position were doing to boost their chances?

I hear you, many recruiters just respond to whoever has LPC or a is qualified lawyer, the only thing I could do is the Virtual work experiences.

Best of Luck

 

[Alice G]

Hey @Arash @amb98 and @Tautvydas

I’ve not even done the GDL yet so don’t think I’ve ever been eligible to look for paralegal roles but have you heard of F-LEX? It’s a paralegal service- I only know of them through word of mouth really and not sure exactly what the situation is like for them right now but it could be an option to perhaps boost your applications and possible get some preliminary experience? otherwise, I’d genuinely consider other roles either within law firms or even LegalTech if this is at all of interest. I joined a contract automation company at the start of this year and have loved it so much and feel liked I’ve gained a better understanding of commercial law through it too.

 

[amb98]

Hey @Arash @amb98 and @Tautvydas

I’ve not even done the GDL yet so don’t think I’ve ever been eligible to look for paralegal roles but have you heard of F-LEX? It’s a paralegal service- I only know of them through word of mouth really and not sure exactly what the situation is like for them right now but it could be an option to perhaps boost your applications and possible get some preliminary experience? otherwise, I’d genuinely consider other roles either within law firms or even LegalTech if this is at all of interest. I joined a contract automation company at the start of this year and have loved it so much and feel liked I’ve gained a better understanding of commercial law through it too.

Thanks for your suggestions Alice, will certainly look into this!