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Tell us about yourself?
Greetings, my name is Shakiera. I am currently a Paralegal within the Employment department at Eversheds Sutherland. I studied my LLB Law degree and also did my LLM Masters and LPC (full-time) at Nottingham Trent. During both degrees, I worked part-time in hospitality and retail. My hobbies stretch from volunteering with the Council, studying Spanish, gym and creating video content that showcases my legal journey/advice and travelling vlogs on YouTube (iamshakiera).
Tell us about your role?
My role involves defending employment (litigation) tribunal claims. My duties consist of lots of communication with the client, claimant and tribunal while running these cases. The client-orientated contact is very high within this department. There is a large amount of bundle preparation, drafting tribunal forms, booking counsel and also typical administration tasks.
How did you land your role?
My first initial role within the firm was as a Litigation Paralegal within Financial Services & Disputes, this role was actually what landed me in the Employment position. So, to answer the question I got my foot under the door at this firm by utilising LinkedIn. I made connections, networked, messaged various people and unintentionally got speaking to a recruiter within the firm and honestly the rest is history, here I am in my second Paralegal role within the firm!
What do you enjoy about your role?
I most enjoy the client contact and the level of responsibility I am given. I have noticed paralegals have a very very similar role to trainee solicitors (in my opinion) but maybe I have just been fortunate in my legal roles. I also like the fact that Employment Law is quite niche, but it allows you to actually sympathise and relate with these people bringing tribunal claims. At the end of the day you are dealing/a party to someone’s life that is having employment issues, therefore, the matters are rather serious.
What do you enjoy the least in your role?
I least enjoy timekeeping, it is the bane of my life and the world's most tedious thing. Though it has to be done and in the world of lawyers, it is a very important aspect of the job, and I am getting a lot better at it. Two tips - to set timers as you do a new task and also make sure to keep a list of everything you’ve done that day! (In addition to your daily task list)
What is the typical progression path for Paralegals?
The next step for me is to qualify as a lawyer, this will either be done via a training contract or the SQE. I am currently in my first cycle of applying for training contracts, so we will see what God has in store for me!
Advice for anyone trying to get into Law?
My best advice would honestly be - unapologetically be yourself. If this is what you want then just do it. If you don’t see people that look like you, don’t let it phase you, continue to do it for the people that do and aspire to be in these corporate/legal roles but shy away due to that same fact. I also think it is important to not watch other people and compare their journeys to your own. You need to focus on your own journey and understand that things will happen at the right time and when they're meant to. The final piece of advice is to network network network and build connections. You really don’t know when someone from your past may come in handy in your future, remember that!
I think I’ll end this by saying - there is no time better than the right time!
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