Chloe’s journey from Paralegal to Trainee Solicitor

Hello my name is Chloe and welcome to the beginning of my training contract adventure at Wolferstans. Read my first blog post of many, as I share how I ended up working at wolferstans and what lessons I've learnt so far...

I joined Wolferstans in June 2022 following completion of my LLB Law degree at Plymouth University. Before becoming a Trainee Solicitor this year, I worked as a Paralegal in the Family Care team. Being in the Care team is incredibly fast-paced, and I have learned a wide range of skills already. My day-day role requires me to prioritise my tasks, have good time management and regularly communicate with clients, parties and the Court. It is a very client facing role, which I thoroughly enjoy.

Being a paralegal for 14 months prior to starting my training, equipped me with the necessary skills to get stuck in straight away, as a trainee.

As I enjoyed my role so much within the Care team, this is the area of work where I will complete my first ‘seat’. I have found the difference between being a paralegal and a trainee is that it is a much more hands-on approach. I have really enjoyed my first few months of being a trainee and I feel as though I am getting a real taste of how it would feel to be a Care Solicitor.

From being a student at Plymouth University, I knew I wanted to work with Wolferstans, based on their friendly client approach and work-life balance. I followed their social media, and this is how I found out about the various training opportunities they were offering. The level of client care that Wolferstans provide is really important to me, particularly as clients within care proceedings are often feeling very worried and anxious. It is our job to help guide our clients through the proceedings, advising and supporting them throughout.

Whilst being a paralegal, I wanted to get stuck in to my SQE studies. I started studying for SQE 1 in February 2023 and took the exams in July 2023. It was a tough process but my strongest advice would be to trust the process. Fortunately, I got my results in August and found that I had passed the SQE 1. This feels like a huge achievement. I am very grateful for the support from my team during my studies, as I was balancing work and studying.

Wolferstans are very understanding and allowed me a period of study days, I utilised these days and found them invaluable to get my head down into my textbooks. The firm have been incredibly supportive of the studying process, and I am due to complete my SQE 2 in 2024. I am currently enjoying a bit of study-free time in between and focussing on my day-day role as a trainee.

I still have so much more to learn, and I am excited to see what the next few months bring within the Care Team and then also on to my next seat in Spring 2024. Stay tuned for my 2nd blog post!

Interested in training with us? Wolferstans are now taking applications for training contracts! Apply now.