Meet our current crop of Paralegal Trainee Case Studies – Trainee Solicitors, Daniel Mattess and James Halpin.
Daniel Mattess – Trainee Solicitor
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.
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James Halpin – Trainee Solicitor
I am in the second year of my Training Contract at SO Legal, and I work with one of the firm’s directors dealing with commercial property and corporate transactions in the commercial department, as well as leading on Auction Sales & Purchases. 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.
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Find out more about our Paralegal to Trainee Scheme including How to Apply here