I chose to undertake a placement year to gain experience and increase my practical skill in the industry whilst at university. Moore Barlow proved the ideal place for me due to the quality of work available, support from senior team members and excellent work/life balance.
My role as a legal assistant
My role of a Legal Assistant within the Real Estate Dispute team involved a variety of tasks, ranging on supporting the team by opening files and issuing post to direct client contact and legal research. While there is a set of typical tasks for the role, the team have always provided the opportunity to take on more complex tasks that would normally be completed by paralegals or trainees, making no day feel the same. The team has always made my work feel valued, and it is always good to see how it can impact clients and case progression.
The challenges I faced
The biggest challenge was fully taking over the role from the previous placement students in September. While the training I received was fantastic, the safety net of having someone double check my work was no longer there. This forced me to be more thorough about the work I was putting out, which took some time to grasp. Another big challenge came when the firm switched their internal systems, causing us all to adapt to the new interface. While this was not easy at first, it enhanced my ability to adapt to new circumstances and try new methods of working, which were more efficient in the end.
Key lessons learned
The most important thing I learnt was how a law firm operates and the role everyone plays in pushing the firm to be successful, including the internal workings of the firm. While at Moore Barlow, I had the opportunity to attend various business and marketing events, which shaped my understanding of how Moore Barlow functions. While clients are central to any firms success, understanding how to remain profitability is also essential to all firms. Whether it is delegating work to a more junior level or managing non-chargeable time, it has been eye opening to see an aspect of working in law which I did not expect.
Final reflections
Overall, my placement year has taught me a lot. My communication skills have been enhanced through allowing me to engage with clients, barristers, surveyors and other coworkers on joint projects. My attention to detail, which was lacking during second year, has greatly improved by reviewing a wide range of documents such as leases, options agreements, notices and letters. I would definitely recommend undertaking a placement year if possible as the experience is invaluable.
Keep in touch with Ivan Stoyanov on LinkedIn.
