Meet our current crop of Paralegal Trainee Case Studies – Paralegals, Beatrice Bass and Daniel Mattess and Trainee Solicitor, James Halpin
Beatrice Bass – Paralegal
I am a career changer who first graduated with an MA in linguistics and mass communication studies before embarking on a professional music career. After years of international touring, I considered new career options with more intellectual challenge and decided to pursue my passion for law. I completed the GDL and LPC at BPP in London and graduated in June with a distinction. The paralegal-to-trainee programme offers a practical approach to starting out in the legal profession. I learned to apply the law in practise and get to know the firm so that I will be well prepared for my training. SO Legal impressed me with its refreshing modern approach to providing legal services. As a young firm that is still expanding, it provides an exciting work environment within a dynamic team that embraces people who bring different life experiences to the job and are able to think outside the box.
Daniel Mattess – Paralegal
I am a former graduate from the University of Sussex, having gained a BA Honours in History in the late 1990s.
I returned to Sussex University in the mid-2000s, gaining my teaching qualification. In the years ahead I moved into financial services. After a successful period providing financial advice to clients, I decided to pursue my lifelong goal of becoming a lawyer. During what has to have been the most professionally intense period of my working life so far I balanced part-time legal study with full-time legal work to gain the LLB Law degree, and then balanced part-time legal work with full-time legal study to gain the Legal Practice Course and Master of Science in Law and Business. I was attracted to SO Legal’s Paralegal-to-Trainee programme for two main reasons. Firstly, the firm possesses a boundless energy and drive to deliver outstanding service to clients in a growing number of areas of law across my home county of Sussex. Secondly, the paralegal-to-trainee scheme itself has provided the opportunity to develop my knowledge, skills and experience in law and business with early responsibility and client contact. I look forward to progressing my legal career with SO Legal.
James Halpin – Trainee Solicitor
I am in the first year of my Training Contract at SO Legal, and I work with one of the firms directors dealing with commercial property and corporate transactions in the commercial department. After graduating from the University of Sussex in 2013 with an LLB Law degree, I worked for three years in a paralegal role, carrying out residential property conveyancing transactions. Working in a client facing position in the early part of my career was a real benefit and allowed me to gain confidence and experience in a legal environment, and to develop crucial practical skills. During this time, I also studied part-time on the LPC, which I completed in the early part of 2017. Shortly after this I joined SO Legal to begin my training contract. The firm has a modern and practical approach to both business and legal services, including a cloud-based case management system that allows easy access to client’s matters. Embracing this technology means that we can offer clients a professional and efficient service that makes the firm stand out. As a Trainee I have been able to take on more responsibilities and build on my experience as a paralegal.
Find out more about our Paralegal to Trainee Scheme including How to Apply here