From the moment an aspiring solicitor or barrister begins the journey towards a legal career, one message is repeated time and again: experience matters.
Whether the goal is a training contract or pupillage, gaining practical legal experience is one of the most valuable ways to build confidence, knowledge and professional skills. These early opportunities often form the foundations of a future legal career.
Leaving university with a law degree and a passion to make a difference is just the beginning. Speaking from my own experience as an aspiring barrister, I did not fully appreciate the complexity of the path ahead. The route can include mini-pupillages, Inns of Court, qualifying sessions, the Barristers Training Course and of course pupillage. Along the way, many aspiring lawyers look for opportunities to develop their skills and understanding of practice. For me, working as a paralegal has been an important first step.
In October 2025 I joined the wonderful team at The International Family Law Group LLP as a paralegal. Since joining, I have broadened my knowledge of family law, and I have gained that all important experience in abundance! Attending court with counsel on a regular basis, attending client conferences with associates, solicitors and partners of the firm, preparing bundles, statements and other documents for court hearings and liaising with a wide range of colleagues and clients has allowed me to build on existing skills and develop new ones while learning from the best.
Becoming a paralegal provides a valuable opportunity to see legal practice up close, while every day being able to learn from experts. It is an excellent start in the legal world, boosting your confidence by gaining real hands-on experience, practical skills and insight.
Although I am still early in my career, the experience I have gained so far has already been invaluable. Working alongside skilled lawyers on complex cases has given me insight into the realities of legal practice and helped shape the kind of lawyer I hope to become. For anyone considering a career in law, a paralegal role can be a highly rewarding and informative step along that journey.
Jessica Whiley, paralegal, The International Family Law Group LLP
