Student Focus

For the past year, I have been working as a Legal Assistant with Winn Solicitors, specialising in Credit Hire here in Newcastle. At the time of writing, I am 10 months into my 12 month placement.

I always knew that I would like to have gained some experience over the course of my degree. However, I also knew that placement years or any form of internship in the Legal field was hard to come by so gained experience in other ways, such as School Tasking (pro bono). However, after a few applications to various opportunities around the country, the chance to stay local with Winn Group came up. 

Through my placement, I have gained experience through a wide range of tasks. I have drafted pleadings, negotiated settlements, produced witness statements, issued files and communicated with Third Party Solicitors and clients alike in addition to other ad-hoc tasks.

This past year has been massively helpful, both professionally and as an individual. I have gained Legal experience whilst applying the legal skills that I have developed within the first two years of my degree. I can definitely see now how the skills taught through my degree have prepared me for the world of work. I have also been able to gain valuable feedback from colleagues and supervisors in Winn, which have helped me to improve and develop my skills as I have progressed throughout my placement.

Further, having undergone a year out of education, I have been able to reflect on areas of my degree where I have done well and have identified areas where I could improve. With this in mind, I am looking forward to going back to university in September and working on finishing my third year on a high.

Personally, I have not just enjoyed getting to know my colleagues but also offering them advice and support as my knowledge has developed during my time on placement. Mind, the Monday morning football chat can be ignored when you support Peterborough! Plenty of us also interact outside of work, helping us get to know each other outside the office.

I'd definitely recommend to first and second years to do a placement year. Whilst the application process can be tough, you are gaining a unique but valuable insight and experience that most other graduates would not have. Working with Winn Solicitors, I also get the full staff benefits that other staff can get, such as bonuses and a day off for your birthday (I spent my 21st on a day trip to Dublin!). In addition, having gained a placement in Newcastle, I have been able to remain nearby, maintaining friendships with my peers who continued onto third year. 

Overall, I'm glad to have done a placement year. I would definitely recommend it to my fellow students. It has given me plenty of useful skills that I can carry back to university but also will aid my future employability.