Be the POWER-legal in your firm.
If you want to make the most of being a paralegal or are looking to elevate your career in law, here are my top five tips for how you can unlock your potential and thrive from my experience in Residential Conveyancing.
P – Professionalism. Being a paralegal in Residential Conveyancing means you will be assisting in transactions which is often the client’s most expensive asset; their home. At times this can be stressful for the clients and requires both legal and emotional intelligence by being knowledgeable, compassionate and conscientious. To be a great paralegal at Machins, ensure you are providing the level of service clients expect from a firm that prides itself on building strong, personal relationships with the client to find the right legal solution.
O – Organisation. Allow yourself time before and after your day to organise all the tasks you have, before prioritising the tasks in order of urgency. I use two notepads for organising my day, dividing the tasks that will take longer and shorter amounts of time before prioritising which need to be actioned first. This allows me to track all tasks that need completing throughout the day as well as making sure all urgent task are handles in a timely manner. Colour-coordinating and using highlighters also gives me the enormous visual satisfaction to cross them off when I have completed them.
W – Willingness to learn. I started as a paralegal at Machins without having a law degree, but having an attitude to learn has significantly increased my understanding of law and the Residential Conveyancing process. Residential Conveyancing has seen dramatic changes over the last two years due to COVID-19 which, in turn, has created several changes to the Stamp Duty Land Tax. Being self-motivated to learn about these changes has not only been beneficial in work but also taught me a lot about the wider economy.
E – Excellent communication skills. Arguably the most important skill of them all is having the ability to communicate effectively, with both staff and clients. Every client is different and with that comes different needs. It is important to try and adhere to client’s needs and ensuring you are keeping them updated. Always picking up the phone or responding to a client’s question on email, is a simple yet fundamental way of putting clients at ease who do not necessarily know the process where a lot is at stake. You will also be liaising with all hierarchies in the firm and communicating with them will also ensure everyone is working towards the same mission of delivering outstanding legal advice to our clients. Machins also has an ‘open door’ policy where if you have any difficulties or concerns about anything, speak to your supervisor! A problem shared is always a problem halved.
R – Research. If you are starting in a new department that you have little experience in, you will without doubt come across language you have not heard of, don’t panic! Asking a member of staff is a fantastic way or learning. Everyone has come from different backgrounds and experiences and gives you a great way of getting to know members of staff who are not necessarily in your department. Also, each week there are opportunities to watch webinars on certain topics within your department, which may help you to refine your knowledge further.
Following these five POWER-ful tips will not only make you a better paralegal but, can be transferred to all aspects of your legal career.