Placement Experience: Commercial Property Paralegal at Foot Anstey

Why did you decide to take a placement year?

For me it was the chance to see how my learning and degree translated into my chosen sector, I wanted to experience what first-hand exposure to the legal market was like.

How did you find the placement search/the support on offer?

When I started my second year at Uni, I was unsure whether I should do a placement or push through to finish my degree. I started applying early on in my second year. It was hard to find the right placement for me and locate where those placements were. I kept applying and liaised with the BAL team to point me in the direction where I did navigate my way to my placement. I applied and made it through the application process, which exposed me to a new level of skills, interviewing tactics and other new experiences. 

I received a great deal of support and direction when making my placement search; the workplace portal was a great insightful place to start as the placement team uploaded and updated the most recent vacancies available.

Describe your company/your role, what you learnt, skills developed and the highlights of your placement?

I undertook my placement at Foot Anstey LLP, as a commercial property paralegal. My initial team was within development, this involved a lot of work surrounding developers, housing associations and other clients alike. 

What did I do? As a paralegal, there were many tasks I undertook, scanning important documents for solicitors to assisting with big development transactions, preparing chaps/faster payments to deal with large sums of money, reading over leases, contract transfers and other accompanying documents, research, tax and reports; there was a lot I was asked to do and it was a great environment in which to learn.

I learnt a lot about myself, my capabilities and the trust that others gave me did not go unseen, understanding the legal area, how an office works and the general work experience was the best skill I took away from the internship. The highlight for me was the ability to network and get advice from individuals who have been through and are going through the sector.

How did your studies support your placement year?

Although a lot of the experience and skills were learnt on the placement, the ‘real world’ experience, my university years allowed me to integrate my legal research, time management and being organised really aided me in understanding my role and the tasks I undertook.

How was your placement overall - meeting or exceeding expectations?

My placement has left a huge impression on me, for the best and for that, I am truly grateful for the opportunity, exposure and chance to undertake my internship at such a great firm.

How are you finding Uni now that you have returned from placement? Is it supporting your final year of studies?

So far my return to university has been swift but somewhat a shock getting back into student life. This however, has made me realise that I am ready to pursue my career and finish my degree. The support has been great as in my previous years, although being self-sufficient, confident and aware of the opportunities around me has allowed me to really get involved in other opportunities that the university does have to offer.

Were you offered a grad role?

From my specific firm, I have received amazing, invaluable feedback that I will and have used to obtain future graduate roles and current ventures. The doors that this experience opens are nothing I could have ever imagined. 

Any advice to second-year students when searching for a placement 

Ultimately, when I secured my placement, I was very unsure about starting; whether or not I had chosen the best option for me instead of carrying on into my final year... It was the best choice I had ever made. The experiences, knowledge, people and general exposure to the legal world have been greatly appreciated and cherished going forward. I made great connections, I had advice on training contracts, the legal sector and just life advice in general; all other things not directly exposed to at university or even within the network I have also used. 

Rejections are part of the process, but you can learn a lot about yourself and the process along the way. The experience in doing applications, assessment days and interviews are all critical in a career, especially in my field of law. 

A placement year is where our learning meets practical application, creating a powerful synergy that propels your career forward. There is no rush to finish your degree, employers are looking for the experience that sets you apart from the competition; savour every step. An opportunity to grow personally and professionally, learn from challenges and discover your true potential. It's a chapter worth reading. Invest in your future, expand your horizons, broaden your perspective and equip yourselves with the practical knowledge needed to thrive in the real world. The placement team is there to support and their advice should not go unheard.