Having recently completed my degree I, like so many other desperate graduates, have been trying hard to find some legal work experience and branch out into the real world. I was pointed in the direction of B Legal and before long the very helpful staff had arranged for me to undertake a week of work experience.
It was a daunting thought; spending a week in an unknown environment, trying hard not to get in anyone’s way whilst wishing that you could help benefit the team somehow. I have to say that my worries were unnecessary. From the outset I was made to feel welcome and put to use. The office itself is a refreshing mix of age ranges, backgrounds and expertise.
Upon my request, I spent my time largely working within the Family Law department. I was kindly asked to be present in a meeting with a client and I jumped at the opportunity. It impacted me in the sense that it suddenly made everything I had done thus far extremely real; all the exams, presentations, coursework and paperwork somehow translated directly into providing help for this woman sat in front of me. This is what it is about. Another interesting part of my time at B Legal was being included in the department meetings. It provided a useful insight into an expanding company.
Alongside all of this I was also asked on occasion to provide support to the conveyancing team – something I never thought I would say I enjoyed, but I did! It was very interesting opening my eyes to a side of the business that I had never really taken the time to understand before. My colleagues were helpful and patient with my questions and made me feel like I was making a difference to their workload.
The company as a whole is a great deal more modern then I was expecting; often with law offices they are old buildings with winding staircases and stuffy little offices. B Legal, however, operate (the head office at least) in a light and airy open plan office space. They make strides to ensure that technology is up to date and that their processes remain current and efficient.
On the whole I will genuinely be a little sad to leave. I know that I have only been here a week, but I already feel very much like part of the family. Whatever the future holds I will keep in touch with the staff members here and I will always be grateful for the opportunity and the experience that B Legal has offered me.
