Financial Litigation Paralegal

• Feb 2023 - Present

Commercial Litigation Paralegal

• Sep 2022 - Dec 2022

In this role, I have written first document drafts, including witness statements, conditional fee agreements, settlement agreements for outstanding debts, claim forms, letters of claim, letters before action, part 36 offers, part 8 court orders and preliminary notices for debt recoveries, undertakings, particulars of claim, draft orders and winding up petitions, and instructions to counsel including creating bundles of documents and data. I have also handled commercial disputes totalling a sum of £250,000 between parties through mediation, arbitration and litigation. I have created instructions to counsel, including advising on professional negligence claims of accountant’s negligent advice regarding entrepreneurs relief. I have also issued via CE-File and served a winding up petition on a large corporation for outstanding debts exceeding £90,000. I have liased with process servers to issue winding up petitions on their registered address. I have also liased with costs draftsman in settling legal costs for clients and calculated statutory interest. I have arranged RICS property valuations with property surveyors on behalf of clients. I have organised conference meetings with counsel and their clients and clients. I have dealt with probate matters, contractual disputes, employment advice, professional negligence and insolvency claims. I have managed 6-8 cases simultaneously whilst knowing the progress of each one. Show less

Security Officer

• Jun 2020 - Sep 2022

I was a security officer at large retail stores. As a security officer, I ensures that the safety of customers, colleagues and the general public is always kept to a high standard. I made sure any issues and/or threats are dealt with in an adequate manner. I delivered a high level of safety by tackling theft within the store. Being a CCTV operator, I used my attention to detail to identify any potential issues. Using my communication and teamwork skills, me and a colleague would tackle issues of shoplifting immediately. Being a security officer requires a high level of concentration levels. At all times, I make sure that the safety of the general public is kept at a high standard. This requires strong interpersonal skills. This is because customers may have complaints and issues with the store, colleagues and other customers. In one example, I split up a fight between two customers who were in a dispute over social distancing measures. In this case, I used my communication skills to remind both the customers that social distancing rules are in effect in this store. I calmed down both participants and made them aware assault and battery is a crime with CCTV in operation. Show less

Scholarship Holder

• Jan 2021 - Jan 2022

Student Member

• Jan 2019 - Jan 2021

- I attended the Bright Network conference "How to get into commercial law" (June 17th). This entailed a panel discussion and a networking session, in which I met current and former trainee solicitors. I gained a more well rounded insight into how to tailor my application and CV for specific firms. Additionally, I networked with solicitors from global leading firms such as Freshfields and Allen and Overy who gave me a brief overview of what working at a magic circle law firm would entail. - Online commercial awareness webinar (27th November 2019) Show less

Future Lawyers Top 100

• Jul 2019 - Aug 2019

I received a personal invitation from James Uffindel (CEO) to attend the Future Lawyers Top 100 Event, which will give me an invaluable opportunity to network with 18 leading law firms including Shearman & Sterling, Herbert Smith Freehills, Linklaters, Macfarlanes, Slaughter and May and many more.

Student Member

• Nov 2018 - Jan 2021

Headstart into vacation schemes - 28/08/19 - This unique one day programme helped me to understand what makes a well rounded application. I gained a better understanding of some of the skills and competencies required in order to be successful in my future legal career.

AS Aspire Programme

• Aug 2019 - Dec 2019

I was selected on a competitive basis to be a part of a 5 month scheme. I attended bespoke AS events and received careers coaching. I also had opportunities to benefit from career strategy sessions, mock interviews, CV and application review and assessment centre preparation. As a result of this programme I have honed my legal skills and knowledge required to be a trainee solicitor. As part of the programme, I also attended various open days at law firms such as Macfarlanes and Herbert Smith Freehills. Show less

Commercial Awareness Competition

• Oct 2019 - Nov 2019

Quarter Finalist (from 2400 entries to 200) in the CAC 2019/20.

Shell Legal Intern

• Aug 2020 - Aug 2020

I engaged in a virtual scheme (18th - 21st August), gaining an insight into the operation of Shell Legal and what life as a lawyer at Shell Legal is like. I participated in a workshop led by Mathew Gordon (Legal Counsel - UK Upstream). I learnt about the Gas and Oil value chain, which consists of upstream which is (Exploration, Field Development Production), midstream which is (Transportation, Processing, Storage and Distribution) and downstream which is (Manufacturing, Refining and Petrochemicals, Wholesale and Marketing). I also came into contact with the UK property team. I gained a better understanding of their property portfolio and the role of a property lawyer. I also learnt about the role of an employment lawyer - which entails matters of litigation, grievances, policy work, corporate support and union issues. I also met a company secretary. This was interesting as I learnt about how their role differed to that of a qualified solicitor. A ‘Cosec’ at Shell Legal includes assisting the DCS with plc governance queries, annual report drafting, annual general meeting preparation, Disclosure Committee. They also support the Trading & Supply entities and help with subsidiary governance project work. Show less

Summer Scheme

• Jul 2020 - Jul 2020

I participated in the Summer Diversity Scheme (23rd - 24th July 2020), gaining an insight into the Government Legal Profession. I engaged in a HMRC Litigation workshop which consisted of a fictitious tax dispute. As a result, I learnt about the tax appeals and how the function of a tribunal in regards to them as well as judicial review and the grounds behind them. I also came into contact with the Commercial Law Group (CLG) at the Government Legal Department. The CLG provides commercial law service to the Department for Work & Pensions, Home Office, Ministry of Justice and various other departments. I also networked with solicitors in the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). Their function is to investigate merger’s between organisations so as to not reduce competition and investigate markets if they believe there are consumer or competition problems. This was interesting as I learned about the role of a solicitor in the CMA and the role of a trainee solicitor. Show less

Supernova Associate

• Aug 2019 - Jul 2020

Strive is a social mobility platform for BAME and state schooled educated aspiring solicitors coming from a non traditional path into law. After completing a competitive process which included an online application and interview, I was rewarded in becoming a supernova associate. As part of this programme, I recieve one to one mentoring, invaluable application advice and have the opportunity to attend exclusive legal events for students like myself. Strive is a social mobility platform for BAME and state schooled educated aspiring solicitors coming from a non traditional path into law. After completing a competitive process which included an online application and interview, I was rewarded in becoming a supernova associate. As part of this programme, I recieve one to one mentoring, invaluable application advice and have the opportunity to attend exclusive legal events for students like myself.

Vacation Scheme

• Jun 2020 - Jun 2020

Mentoring Scheme

• Sep 2019 - Dec 2019

As a mentee on the scheme I will benefit from the invaluable opportunity of receiving mentoring from Barclays lawyers. In addition, I will have the opportunity to attend bespoke workshop sessions covering how to read the financial papers, understanding the basics of corporate and banking law to commercial awareness in practice. As a mentee on the scheme I will benefit from the invaluable opportunity of receiving mentoring from Barclays lawyers. In addition, I will have the opportunity to attend bespoke workshop sessions covering how to read the financial papers, understanding the basics of corporate and banking law to commercial awareness in practice.

Pathway to Law Plus Candidate

• Apr 2019 - Dec 2019

I was selected on a competitive basis to be a candidate on the Pathway to Law Plus programme. I attended 3 open days in April visiting law firms such as Hogan Lovells, Linklaters and DLA Piper. This was an opportunity to meet and network with trainees who gave me an insight into the legal industry and their respective firm. I participated in various different activities such as a team presentation competition in which my team and I had respectfully won. The presentation competition consisted of 4 different groups pitching to fictitious potential clients who were seeking legal advice. This task was helpful as I developed my client pitching and presentation skills. As a result of this role, I successfully attained an internship at Hogan Lovells in September 2019. Show less

Insight Day

• Oct 2019 - Oct 2019

I attended an insight day at Macfarlanes in conjunction with Aspiring solicitors. I learnt about the practise areas at Macfarlanes such as the unique private client service.I engaged in a mock negotiation exercise with my peers. This negotiation exercise consisted of two separate parties who have different aims within the fictitious contract. Acting on behalf of one of the parties, I had to identify the potential risks within this deal and suggest appropriate alternatives in the best interest of the client. This exercise required me to use my communication and cognitive empathy skills to understand what the best interests of the client were and how I could best help to achieve their goals and interests. I also networked with various trainees, associates and partners learnt about inclusion and the four key areas of corporate social responsibility at Macfarlanes. Show less

AS Culture Event 2019

• Oct 2019 - Oct 2019

Attended a one day event (31st October) in conjunction with Aspiring solicitors at BCLP London office. This event was aimed at promoting diversity of religion and race in the legal sector. I networked with various trainees and associates from Herbert Smith Freehills, BCLP and Bird & Bird who come from a similar background. Attended a one day event (31st October) in conjunction with Aspiring solicitors at BCLP London office. This event was aimed at promoting diversity of religion and race in the legal sector. I networked with various trainees and associates from Herbert Smith Freehills, BCLP and Bird & Bird who come from a similar background.

Assessor

• Jun 2019 - Oct 2019

I volunteered weekly (last day; October 28th) at my local Citizens Advice Bureau. I worked as an adviser to clients who seek free and independent legal advice on a wide range of matters including debt, employment, housing and tax issues. I advised clients on the best, cheap and most practical route they can take in order to overcome their issue. This has helped me to increase the quality of my research and communication skills. On a regular basis, I dealt with vulnerable and agitated clients in which I have had to use my listening and inter-personal (soft) skills. Show less

Summer Intern

• Sep 2019 - Sep 2019

I attended a 3-day work placement at Hogan Lovells. I learnt about the different practise areas such as their Competition law department through a group exercise. As a result of this I became even more intrigued by the role of the Competition and Markets Authority within the UK and the possible effect of Brexit could have on their role. Also, I shadowed Andrea Salsi, a senior associate in the capital markets department. I assisted drafting legal documents and ancillary documentations. This gave me a wider understanding of the role of a trainee solicitor within a transaction. Show less

Insight Day

• Sep 2019 - Sep 2019

I attended a company secretarial insight day (20th September) at British American Tobacco PLC, a FTSE 100 company. I engaged in various workshops and group exercises. One of them being a 'governance gone wrong' exercise which involved me working in a team having to identify any possible governance issues within the fictitious text and make a plan on how to overcome it. I also gained a better understanding about the role of a company secretary and what some of their day to day tasks involves. It was a great opportunity for me to network with company secretaries. Show less

Insight Day

• Sep 2019 - Sep 2019

I attended an open day (24th September) in conjunction with aspiring solicitors at the HSF London office. It was fascinating to learn about some of the new trends in the legal sector and in particular, Artificial Intelligence, Technology and Innovation from Rachel Barnes, a project manager and innovator. As well as gaining a better insight into the culture and values of the firm, I participated in a Alternative dispute resolution workshop led by Oliver Elgie, a senior associate in the ADR practise area. Here, I learnt about some of the advantages and disadvantages of ADR vs Litigation (court). Show less

Customer Service Staff

• Oct 2017 - Feb 2018

I was a customer service agent working on the shop floor dealing with various complaints, proceeding with checkouts as well as ensuring sales targets were met throughout the week. Being in constant communication with customers helped to broaden my interpersonal skills. As a result of this role I have developed my listening skills which was vital to this role in order to resolve any complaints and issues. I was the main stockroom assistant organising goods upon delivery as well as arranging the stockroom in order to accommodate the shop floor. This required exceptional organisation skills because as the sole stockroom assistant I had to ensure the goods and product on the shop floor was aligned with the sales trend for customers to buy. This also enhanced my communication skills as I had to be in constant communication with my colleagues to make sure the stockroom had enough goods to reflect the customer’s needs and desires. This was done by co-ordinating the room in a systematic manner to reflect such needs and desires. I was also in charge of all deliveries to the store thus accounting for all goods upon delivery. This helped me to develop high quality organisation skills in order to ensure all the required goods were delivered on time. Show less

Sales Assistant

• Jun 2016 - Oct 2017

I was a sales assistant in a busy independent pharmaceutical store. I was tasked with ensuring all the appropriate medication for patients was organised in an adequate manner as well as making sure all goods were replenished onto the shop floor. This required high levels of attention to detail and effective organisational skills as I had to make sure the shop floor reflected the sales trend of customers. I was also tasked with carrying out sales of goods and dealing with any complaints and/or issues from customers requiring excellent interpersonal and communication skills in order to ensure a high level of service thus leading to customer satisfaction. As a result of this role, I became a more effective speaker as I dealt with old and vulnerable patients. This required me to disclose information in an appropriate manner so the patients could understand in an effective manner. Other daily tasks included filing the appropriate prescriptions into the correct files in order to accommodate the large numbers of patients. This required a high level of organisational skills as I usually filed 30 prescriptions on average every shift as I had to complete this whilst completing other day to day duties. Show less

Sales Supervisor

• Feb 2016 - Jan 2017

I was a sales supervisor at the Emirates stadium, selling match-day programmes. My role included me being a supervisor overlooking a large number of customer assistants as well as carrying out sales myself. On average, we would sell roughly 25,000 programmes every match. This involved me having exceptional sales skills in a fast paced environment. The role also required me to have good quality team working skills in order to ensure that sales targets were met and revenue was counted accordingly. As a result, I improved my cash reconciliation and numerical skills. Show less

Legal Internship

• Apr 2016 - Apr 2016

During my first year in college, I attended a weeks worth of work experience which was given on a voluntary and competitive basis. During my time there, I shadowed various trainee solicitors and associates. I learn about various practise areas such as tax, litigation and real estate, learning what daily tasks they had to carry out and different skills and processes they had to use in order to carry out their work. This included researching for a particular client, drafting legal documents as well as carrying out due diligence. I also networked with a variety of associates and senior associates who gave me a wonderful insight into the firm, its culture and commercial law. As a result, I developed a stronger taste for commercial law which helped to give me exposure to global practises such as DLA Piper. Show less