Progressing Through My Industry: Emma

Posted on: 4 September 2024 by Kalbir Cross in Class of 2023

Emma Ashley is a Class of 2023 Law LLB with Criminology graduate who is now working at DWF as a Credit Hire & Fraud Paralegal and Trainee Solicitor via the sponsored apprenticeship route.

How did you hear about your role and decide to apply for it? 

I found the job through a LinkedIn advertisement. I believed that I had the necessary skills for the position, and I saw it as an opportunity to progress within the company and improve my expertise in the paralegal/file handling role. I specifically chose to pursue this role in a commercial law firm because of my strong interest in Commercial, Banking, and Business Law during my final year at university. The convenient location and hybrid working arrangement of the position also made it very appealing to me.

How did you get to where you are now?  

After graduating, I gained work experience at a regional law firm. I also expanded my network on LinkedIn and completed virtual sector-specific courses on Forage. Throughout this journey, I have felt very supported by my family and peers. I am keen to pursue a legal position with the ultimate goal of becoming a qualified solicitor in the near future.

Your favourite experience as part of your role? 

One of my favourite parts of this role was having the opportunity to manage my own case load from start to finish. Over time, I have gained valuable experience and skills relevant to the role and have taken on more complex and higher value files. I applied for an SQE apprenticeship internally and I was thrilled to be accepted onto it at the beginning of July. I will start studying for the SQEs in September alongside my current position, and I am very pleased that my employer is able to support my career progression.

The most challenging part of your graduate journey? 

The most challenging part of my journey following graduation was the uncertainty. I was unsure on which career path to pursue, where I wanted to live and work, how I would go about qualifying as a solicitor. I had experienced a lot of rejection from training contract applications throughout my time at university- which can be demoralising and cause self-doubt. Despite this, I sought to undertake virtual and in person work experience to support my skill set and was very fortunate and excited to be offered an interview when I applied to DWF. 

Top 3 Tips for current students and graduates. 

1. Always remain confident in your abilities and do not compare yourself to your peers or network on LinkedIn- everyone has their own timeline and people only post highlights.

2. When applying to jobs, research the position and company to ensure that they are the right fit for you and that your application is relevant to the position advertised.

3. Work experience is invaluable- even part time jobs, temporary jobs, voluntary work/ work experience.

 
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