Case studies: Paralegal: Donna Harper

Donna Harper graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University with a 2:1 law degree (LLB). She currently works as a paralegal at Bournes solicitors, a high street law firm in Manchester.

I graduated in June 2011 after studying full time for my degree. During my studies I secured a part-time job as a legal assistant, working one full day and one half day a week around my studies.

This role was centred around personal injury and debt matters and tasks included: filing, speaking to clients, chasing and billing clients, drafting documents for court such as witness statements, taking notes in conference meetings and, of course, making coffee.

In March 2011, after four months with the firm, the company’s director asked if I would like to stay on after my studies and train full time as a paralegal. I accepted with excitement, being very aware of the high amount of competition for any legal job. Although getting the role was partly due to luck, as the firm was merging, I had worked hard in showing my potential by always being enthusiastic, confident and organised.

I really enjoy working at a high street firm. I chose to aim my applications at such companies rather than commercial practices, as I felt that the smaller, high street law environment best suits my work ethic and personality. After completing a one-week work placement at a large corporate firm, I was certain it wasn’t for me. The firm was welcoming and professional, but the placement confirmed my desire to deal with clients on a more one-to-one basis and take on new, daily challenges that I felt a large corporate firm could not supply in variety. 

My new role has given me much more responsibility. I now handle files myself, for example, I negotiate with the opposition and prepare documents for the court and counsel. I still deal with personal injury and debt matters, but my boss has confirmed that I will also be involved with some employment cases shortly. I’m responsible for creating case files and also for client care, among many other things. And now we all make each other coffee.

I feel that a high street firm offers more of a supportive and personal work ethic. I enjoy having the opportunity to speak to clients, getting to know their files in detail, and for them to know exactly who I am, too. I believe that a trusting relationship between me and the client is crucial, especially in the sensitive matters I deal with. And I always feel happy when we succeed for our client. This is satisfaction which I believe comes best in a high street firm.