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Building a Legal Career: My Hands-On Apprenticeship Journey at Thomas Flavell & Sons

A photo of Izzy Holloway
5th February 2025

I have been with Thomas Flavell & Sons since August 2024 as a trainee paralegal. There are many routes into a legal career, I have found that the apprenticeship route has provided me with experience that will aid my legal knowledge. Thomas Flavell’s have provided me with a supportive, hands-on approach to becoming a paralegal, through a level 4 apprenticeship. 

In my role I support April Ford, in the conveyancing department, by drafting documentation, handling administrative tasks and communicating with other legal professionals and clients throughout the transaction, she is always encouraging of my learning and ensures I complete varied tasks to apply to various legal topics. The structured apprenticeship allows me to gain practical experience within the firm while completing a formal education. 

I am fortunate enough to work alongside a group of talented individuals, that are always willing to answer any questions I may have to broaden my legal knowledge. Working in a collaborative environment in the office means that I am provided with a fantastic setting for growth. 

The apprenticeship focuses on a lot of key learning stages and professionalism within the workplace as well as the knowledge for developing a strong legal career. 

Key lessons:

  • Attention to Detail: Legal work requires attention to detail. Throughout my training I have learned that legal work cannot be rushed, this has helped me develop meticulous attention to detail, a skill that will help me throughout my career. 
  • Client Relationships are Crucial: Being able to interact with clients and understand their needs is essential throughout each transaction. Each client and transaction are unique, and it is important to build rapport with them to be able to accommodate their requirements. 
  • Time Management is Key: Balancing study and work can be challenging; however, this is something I have learned to balance effectively. The work is fast paced therefore, managing my time effectively is something that I have learned to improve and develop. 

A little bit about the apprenticeship

The apprenticeship lasts 2 years and focuses on various legal topics such as Public Law, Contract Law and Tort Law. Each topic requires a multiple-choice exam and a portfolio outlining the relevant tasks I have carried out and how these relate to legal development. I am always provided with support from Practice Manager Lindsey Connolly on how I can use my day-to-day tasks to develop my portfolio. The structure of a programme really helps me to diarise and plan my learning, while carrying out a full-time role in the firm. Both the university I am enrolled with, and the firm are on hand with anything I might need and always willing to support my development. 

I spend one day each week designated to my learning, where I attend an online workshop studying various topics. The firm are flexible with my work and give me a designated space to complete this, which allows me to separate my work from my learning and really take the time to focus on my legal education. At times juggling deadlines for my apprenticeship and work tasks has been demanding but the support from my colleagues at Thomas Flavell & Sons has been invaluable in aiding my development through my legal career. 

This pathway is accessible for those who have not been to university, it provides a balance of theory and practice, offering a direct route into a career in law. 

I have studied both at university and in an apprenticeship and I feel I receive much more support and learn a lot more in an apprenticeship, as I work with people who are experienced in the field and are willing to help me with topics that I may not understand. I am able to see how my learning relates to real life legal transactions. 

As I continue to progress in my apprenticeship, I am excited to continue developing my legal skills and eventually move towards a full qualification as a paralegal. This opportunity at Thomas Flavell & Sons is one in which I believe will give me the best experience in the legal field to develop in my career, providing me with a solid foundation for a long and rewarding career in law. I would recommend an apprenticeship to those seeking a career in the legal field, especially with a firm that value your development. I am looking forward to continuing growing with Thomas Flavell & Sons and expanding my knowledge to become a valuable member of the team.

Read more about law apprenticeships here

Our blogs and articles are not meant to serve as legal advice for any specific issue. The author assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of the content or any consequences that may arise from relying on it.