Course: Level 3 Paralegal Apprenticeship
Time to reflect during the Covid pandemic changed Jess’ plans for her future when she realised a career in primary teaching wasn’t necessarily for her. Now, she’s working towards becoming a fully qualified CILEX lawyer with Cygnet Law in Middlesbrough.
Jess said: “I have always loved learning and would describe myself as very academic. When it came to deciding the next steps, like most students of my generation, I was encouraged by the college to go to university.
“Covid hit as I was due to complete my A levels in psychology, sociology and law meaning I relied on my predicted grades. Thankfully, they secured me a place at university, but honestly, after a year of studying remotely due to restrictions, it just didn’t feel like the right fit.”
Living in Durham and working frontline as a key worker at a supermarket during the pandemic meant Jess could earn and gain essential transferable skills whilst she decided what was next, and that was when she came across a Level 3 Paralegal Apprenticeship on the Government website with a local firm.
Jess started in a different area of law before moving to Cygnet Law and settling on family as a specialism. She said: “My first role was in conveyancing but honestly, I love the unpredictability of family law, and the key part I play in supporting people and really making a difference. No day is the same, it’s a real positive challenge – I love that.
“One of the best parts about learning through the apprenticeship route is that once I am fully qualified, I will have seven years’ experience under my belt. I couldn’t have achieved what I have so far without my amazing tutors Victoria and Peter. They’re not just teaching you to pass an exam, they’re sharing their integrated understanding and experience which I can then apply to real life cases.”
Looking ahead, Jess dreams of being able to advocate for children directly in court as a children’s panel member, making legal decisions about the care, protection, and wellbeing of infants, children, and young people.
The Level 3 Paralegal Apprenticeship is aimed at those who want to begin a career in the legal sector or those who are currently working in the legal sector who are looking to upskill. From here, learners can progress onto CILEX Professional Qualifications (CPQ) with Innersummit, one of only 10 providers in the country to offer the full portfolio.
