The Day in the Life of a Paralegal

I was fortunate enough to get a job as a Family Law Paralegal during the 2nd year of my LLB Law degree, working there all the way up to graduating the Bar Course!

If you’ve ever wondered what the role looks like, then keep reading…

Q. What is a Paralegal?

Understanding the role of a Paralegal isn’t always straightforward because it can look different depending on the law firm. At its core, a Paralegal works closely with a Solicitor (think like an assistant), but some firms expect a Paralegal to handle their own cases and clients.

It is an extremely varied role where you’ll dip your toes into all aspects of the legal industry. Here are some key tasks you might find yourself tackling:  

• Drafting Court documents and preparing Court bundles

• Researching laws, practices and procedures – often to present your findings to the Solicitor or a client

• Interviewing clients and witnesses or taking instructions to pass on to the Solicitor

• Managing administrative responsibilities such as providing quotes, scheduling meetings and keeping diaries in order

• Attending Court alongside other Legal Professionals, taking notes during hearings and offering direct support to clients  

• Networking with potential clients and other firms at events.

Q. What Did You Like About Your Job?

I genuinely loved my role as a Paralegal - perhaps even more so because I had such a brilliant boss (now a lifelong friend) who struck the perfect balance between guidance and independence.

One of the most unexpectedly rewarding parts of the job for me was building a direct relationship with clients. Sure, having the same client call at 09.01am every single day tested my patience, but it was also a real privilege to be trusted with someone’s story.

Oh, and the joy of “work-life balance” (who even is she now?). Back then, I had reliable hours, no weekend work, actual annual leave and sick days – and enough flexibility to shape my day around both my work and life.

Q. What Didn’t You Like About Your Job  

There wasn’t really anything about the role itself that I didn’t like, it just wasn’t the right fit for my personality or working style. Sitting at the same desk in an open plan office every day and all day felt like a prison sentence to me (though I know many firms now offer hybrid!) and let’s be real – I probably reached my lifetime quota for collating trial bundles!

Paralegal Faux Pas!  

💬 During a client meeting, someone asked for a “digestive coloured white coffee”. I had no idea what this meant and I was too embarrassed to ask, so I dashed out and scoured the office for a secretary to help decode it. I can safely say I can confidently make a coffee now!

💬 There was a time where I sent a solicitor’s firm an email and accidentally forgot to attach the negotiation letter (the legal equivalent of saying “your offer is a joke”) not once, not twice, but three times – how embarrassing!

💬 I accidentally misspelled a client’s name and ended up sending an email to the wrong person entirely – never forget that there can be more than one way to spell a name!

No one starts out as the perfect Paralegal and I certainly different. But it was an incredible introduction to the legal work, full of lessons (and a few laughs). Got questions about the life of a Paralegal or your own cringe-worthy moments to share? Drop them in the comments below!