Kelly
My placement at Dominic Levent Solicitors was an insightful and rewarding experience where I worked as a paralegal in the Family Department. The positive feedback I received from senior colleagues gave me confidence that I am well suited to this work. The experience shaped my academic choices and clarified the pathway I want to follow after university.
Describe your placement experience.
My placement at Dominic Levent Solicitors was an insightful and rewarding experience where I worked as a paralegal in the Family Department. I supported solicitors with daily casework, drafting, preparing court documents, communicating with clients, and assisting with billing and time recording. I was involved in a range of complex and sensitive family law matters, which strengthened my legal knowledge, confidence, and professional skills.
What were the best things about it?
The best aspects of my placement were the hands-on involvement in real family law cases and the opportunity to work closely with experienced solicitors and barristers. Attending hearings, mediations, and client meetings gave me a realistic understanding of legal practice and gave me the opportunity to travel to different parts of the UK, which gave me exposure to a range of courts and environments I had never visited before.
Another major highlight was the opportunity to network and build strong professional connections, both within the firm and with barristers, clerks, and other legal professionals. These relationships not only enriched my placement experience but also gave me valuable insight into the wider legal community.
Have your career plans been informed by your placement?
Yes, my placement strongly confirmed my ambition to pursue a career as a family law solicitor. Working on a variety of family matters showed me how meaningful and impactful this area of law can be, and the positive feedback I received from senior colleagues gave me confidence that I am well suited to this work. The experience shaped my academic choices and clarified the pathway I want to follow after university.
What advice do you have for students considering doing a placement?
My advice is to take the opportunity if you can, as the experience is invaluable for personal and professional development. Be proactive, ask questions, and make the most of every task and use the year to build your confidence and gain new skills.
A placement helps bridge the gap between academic study and professional practice, and it can give you clarity about your future career direction as well as provide key skills for final year.
