Chantelle Gough
University: University of Essex
LPC: College of Law, Bloomsbury
Current Position: Trainee Solicitor
Current Department: Private Client
Completed training seats: Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence
Year Joined: 2009
Highlights so far working for MW:
I was fortunate enough to join McMillan Williams in August 2009 as a paralegal at the Mitcham office working in the Clinical Negligence and Personal Injury department.
In September 2010 I was offered a Training Contract with the Clinical Negligence and Personal Injury department. I found it to be a huge benefit having previously carried out a year as a Paralegal in this department. It made the transition from Paralegal to Trainee Solicitor much smoother and I feel that my confidence and knowledge as a Trainee Solicitor has grown quickly because of this.
I currently work in the Private Client department completing my last seat.
Working at McMillan Williams is a steep learning curve and you are given a great deal of responsibility from day one. Although the work is challenging and the hours are sometimes difficult the support and advice you receive from both your fee earner and the Paralegals/Trainee Solicitors are invaluable.
One of the highlights of the year is the annual advocacy competition run by the firm for all Paralegals, Trainee Solicitors and Newly Qualified solicitors. This exciting, yet daunting task is a great way to expand your skills and knowledge base in this area and gives you an opportunity to see your peers at work in a court room set-up.
Aimal Gram
University: University of Westminster
LPC: College of Law, Bloomsbury
Current Position: Trainee Solicitor
Current Department: Clinical Negligence/Personal Injury
Completed Training Seats: Crime
Year Joined: 2010
Highlights so far working for MW:
I studied for my Law Degree at University of Westminster which I completed in 2008. Following this I completed my Legal Practice Course at College of Law, London, in 2009.
I joined McMillan Williams in March 2010 as a paralegal in the Crime Department where I worked directly under the supervision of the firms’ head of Criminal Litigation Department. I was taken on as a trainee solicitor in March 2011 and I completed my first seat in the Crime Department.
While working in the Crime Department I assisted the head of the department on a number of very serious cases ranging from serious offences of violence, sexual offences and huge fraud cases amongst others. I also regularly represented clients at the police stations and in benefit fraud interviews.
Working in the Crime Department as a paralegal and continuing as a trainee solicitor for my first seat in the same department set a high benchmark in terms of working hard, learning fast and being responsibility at all times. I found myself to be extremely passionate about doing criminal defence work. I particularly enjoyed working with vulnerable people.
I am currently undertaking my second seat in the Clinical Negligence and Personal Injury Department. Again working hard and learning fast is expected of all paralegals and trainees in the firm and having worked in another contentious area of law helped me enormously in making a smooth transition into my new seat.
I find that the level of support to paralegals and trainees is unparalleled within all departments. A combination of hard work from paralegals and trainees with excellent training and support from senior staff instils a good working ethic in paralegals and trainees from the onset. I am thoroughly enjoying work in the Clinical Negligence and Personal Injury department which has given me a perspective on Claimant work.
There are numerous in-house training programs ran by the firm each year which is another source of learning and gaining further knowledge in different areas of law.
Katia Lake
University: Oxford Brookes
LPC: Kaplan Law School
Current Position: Trainee Solicitor
Current Department: Conveyancing
Completed training seats: Criminal Litigation
Highlights so far working for MW:
I joined the Criminal Litigation Department of McMillan Williams in January 2010 as a Paralegal working directly under the supervision of Henry Oghoetuoma, Head of the Criminal Litigation Department. I became a trainee solicitor a year later.
In this capacity, I have assisted in the preparation of a wide range of cases including money laundering, rape, sexual assault and serious offences of violence.
I have represented numerous clients in benefit fraud interviews and have also attended upon clients at the Police Station as their legal representative. I have worked on cases where we have achieved excellent results for the clients and this is very satisfying.
I am currently training in the Conveyancing Department acting on the clients’ behalf in the buying, selling and re-mortgaging of properties. Attention to detail is a necessity to be successful in conveyancing as well as the ability to explain complex legal information to clients. It is important to be able to remain calm under pressure as this role involves dealing with strict demands from clients on a daily basis.
In my capacity so far, I have engaged in the perusal of draft documents to raise enquiries in a Purchase (leasehold and freehold), exchanging contracts on a Sale and Purchase and liaising with mortgage lenders, estate agents and Solicitors.
I especially enjoy reporting to clients on leasehold assignments as this allows me to implement my drafting, research and problem-solving skills with the end result being that the client gets the best idea about the property they are interested in buying and any risks involved in proceeding with the transaction. This area of law is prone to rapid legislative changes so it is imperative that you keep abreast of this in order to give your client the best possible advice.
I find the work in conveyancing varied and challenging and the role has enabled me to grow as a lawyer. You receive step by step support and supervision that helps to boost your confidence and gives you a sense of achievement. As a trainee at McMillan Williams, you develop a strong work ethic and the independence needed to become a successful solicitor.
Clair-Jane Sharp
University: University of Sheffield
LPC: BBP Manchester
Current Position: Trainee Solicitor
Current Department: Family
Completed training seats: Family (Private and Public)
Year Joined: 2009
Highlights so far working for MW:
I was fortunate enough to secure employment with McMillan Williams in July 2009, a few days after completing the LPC. I joined as a Paralegal in the Clinical Negligence and Personal Injury department. From the off set as a member of McMillan Williams team I was given a great deal of responsibility, everyday was challenging yet rewarding. The hands on experience McMillan Williams provided me with from day one, coupled with support, guidance and supervision was invaluable.
I started my training contact in October 2010 within the Family Department after acquiring solid paralegal experience. My experience as a Trainee Solicitor at McMillan Williams has provided me with an insight into a variety of public and private family law matters. Due to the full level of family services McMillan Williams provides I have been afforded the opportunity to work in niche areas of family law, i.e. abduction, special guardianship, adoption appeal and surrogacy.
One of the highlights of working for McMillan Williams is the voluntary work we are able to undertake. As a Family Trainee I volunteer at a local domestic violence centre. I provide legal assistance to victims of domestic violence. The assistance we provide to victims of domestic abuse is invaluable and a highly worthwhile cause.
I look forward to continuing my training with McMillan Williams.
Peter Williams
University: University of Southampton
GDL: College of Law, Guildford
LPC: College of Law, Guildford
Current Position: Trainee Solicitor
Current Department: Personal Injury
Completed training seats: Residential Conveyancing
Year Joined: 2010
Highlights so far working for MW:
I joined McMillan Williams as a paralegal in May 2010. After a year, I was offered a training contract with the firm. I have recently finished my first seat in Conveyancing and I am now working in the Personal Injury Department in Sevenoaks.
McMillan Williams awards aspiring trainee solicitors who are motivated by challenge, initiative and responsibility. As soon as I become a paralegal, I was entrusted with a great deal of client contact. As a trainee, I am now enjoying the responsibility of handling my own matters from start-to-finish. I am therefore confident that the transition from trainee to qualified solicitor will be as smooth as possible. Although the work is challenging, the guidance that I get from my supervising fee earner is first class.
During my time at the firm thus far, I have enjoyed many highlights. I have had the opportunity to attend a number of lectures by some of the most highly respected lawyers in the country. I have also participated in the annual Advocacy Competition which gives trainees, paralegals and newly qualified solicitors the chance to compete against one another and the experience is invaluable.
The firm offers a number of fantastic opportunities post-qualification. While other firms have been forced to downsize, McMillan Williams has continued to offer opportunities to recently qualified solicitors. In fact, most of the firm’s most successful fee earners are products of its paralegal and trainee programme.
Rebecca Morgan
University: University of Wales, Aberystwyth
LPC: Leeds Metropolitan University
Current position: Trainee Solicitor
Current Department: Clinical Negligence/Personal Injury
Year joined: 2010
Highlights so far working for MW:
I began working as paralegal in the Clinical Negligence and Personal Injury Department at the Wallington office in July 2010.
Paralegals are given a lot of responsibility very quickly; this is a great way of beginning something new as it is a good way of learning on the job with the support of solicitors, trainee solicitors and fellow paralegals within the firm. It also stands you in great stead when you move on to begin your training contract.
I was lucky enough to be offered a training contract in July 2011 in the Clinical Negligence and Personal Injury department. As this was my first job I was very apprehensive about what to expect but I have found the experience so far to be very rewarding.
I have really enjoyed my time with McMillan Williams. I definitely would not have had the same opportunities had I joined a different firm.
Faith Angus
University: University of Wales
LPC: College of Law, Guildford
Current Position: Trainee Solicitor
Current Department: Family
Completed training seats: Currently doing a seat in Family
Year Joined: 2010
Highlights so far working for MW:
I joined McMillan Williams in November 2010 as a Paralegal at the Carshalton office and worked in the Private Client department for a brief period before moving to Wallington to work in the Family department.
I had no previous experience of Family law so starting work at McMillan Williams was quite challenging. I was given a lot of responsibility from the start and the hours were often very long. Fortunately my Supervisor and other solicitors or trainees in the department were always at hand to answer questions which was priceless as it not only helped me tackle the tasks but their support also boosted my confidence.
In November 2011 I was offered a Training Contract with the Family department. Being a paralegal in this department for almost a year before becoming a Trainee Solicitor meant that I already had a year’s knowledge behind me which made being a trainee a little less daunting. I particularly enjoy working on care cases and matters relating to domestic abuse.
I have had the opportunity to assist clients and Counsel at Court which has been useful as I was able to see how things progress beyond the paperwork in the office. As my knowledge and skills have developed I am now being given the responsibility to represent clients at Court in cases of Non-Molestation Orders and urgent applications relating to children.
Ali Khan
University: University of Westminster
LPC: College of Law, Bloomsbury
Current Position: Paralegal
Current Department: Crime
Year Joined: 2011
Highlights so far working for MW:
I currently work within the Crime Department of McMillan Williams as a Paralegal and am based at their New Addington office. Of the firms that I received offers from I chose them due to their reputation and extensive training program that suited my ambition to train at a top Legal firm.
By way of learning I was immediately given responsibility and client contact from the outset. I was placed within the team working on one of the larger cases in the department which has been particularly useful in providing me a broader insight into the legal system that other Paralegals or Trainee Solicitors may not see in their first few months.
The encouragement to practice the skills I have learnt over the years has given me a constructive platform for me to display my knowledge and advise our clients in achieving their best possible outcomes. I am currently working towards the Police Accreditation Scheme that is a personal goal of mine that I hope to achieve by the end of the year.
The nature of the work at McMillan Williams is very fast moving but with that comes support from colleagues who adopt an ‘open door policy’ who are only too keen help. Would recommend to anyone that has a good work ethic and enjoys a varied role.
Alwayne Brown
University: Kingston University
LPC: College of Law, Guildford
Current Position: Paralegal
Current Department: Conveyancing
Completed training seats:
Year Joined: 2011
Highlights so far working for MW:
I joined McMillan Williams in November 2011 at the Coulsdon Office working in the Conveyancing department.
Since starting at McMillan Williams I have had the opportunity to oversee the various stages of the residential conveyancing process. I have had the opportunity to work on both leasehold and freehold matters, some of which are quite straight forward whilst others are more complicated. No two cases are the same and I enjoy the challenges that this brings. I most enjoy the hands on experience and the opportunity to put into practice the skills that I have been taught on the Legal Practice course.
Ashley Le-Core
University: University of Hertfordshire
LPC: College of Law, Bloomsbury
Current Position: Paralegal
Current Department: Family
Year Joined: 2011
Highlights so far working for MW:
I was fortunate enough to start my employment with McMillan Williams in October 2011. I am currently a Paralegal in the Family department, situated at the Wallington office
I have already established a caseload of around 10 to 15 files in my short time with the firm. These files range from domestic violence issues, children matters and also divorce. The experience to date has been very much hands on and has taught me the importance of managing my time and my diary effectively.
I have also represented the firm at Court as a clerk on a number of varied matters, including fact finding and financial dispute resolution hearings. This has allowed me to experience the Court setting and establish what all of the hard work that the firm does, eventually leads to.
I feel that the professional way in which McMillan Williams operates made the transition from my previous firm extremely easy and allowed me to become settled quickly. The Family department are all very helpful and are more than willing to assist with any queries I might have.
I am currently a Paralegal to one of the partners in the firm, which means a lot of responsibility and therefore a lot of varied casework. I have a lot of previous experience in Family Law, but have now become increasingly interested in Care proceedings thanks to my time with the firm. This is one type of Family Law which I am looking forward to learning about in more detail.
The firm expect a lot of their Paralegals, which can be shown by how much responsibility they are given, but I have always felt that a good level of support has been available and the work will only benefit me for the rest of my career. The hours can sometimes be long and the workload can often be heavy, but the experience is completely invaluable and simply allows me to undertake more work in the area of Law I have always had a passion for.
Catherine Siverns
University: Lancaster University
LPC: The City Law School, Gray’s Inn
Current Position: Paralegal
Current Department: Clinical Negligence and Personal Injury
Year Joined: 2011
Highlights so far working for MW:
I joined McMillan Williams in September 2011 as a Paralegal working in the Clinical Negligence and Personal Injury department in the Brighton office.
I had not had much experience of working for a law firm before, having previously worked for the court service but found that I enjoyed the challenge of being able to jump straight into tasks on day one. There is a lot of support from solicitors and support staff, as well as invaluable advice from the other Paralegals and Trainee Solicitors, which made being the new comer far less daunting.
I currently work for the head of department assisting on her case load of predominantly high value complex injury claims. This work particularly focuses on children who have cerebral palsy caused by injuries suffered during the neonatal period or shortly after birth. One of the highlights of my short time here has been seeing a long running case finally settle and being able to attend the approval hearing with the family. It was exciting to see the difference that the settlement will make to the family’s life.
Christopher Maynard
University: University of Bristol
LPC: College of Law Guildford
Current Position: Paralegal
Current Department: Crime
Year Joined: 2011
Highlights so far working for MW:
I joined McMillan Williams in October 2011 as a paralegal at the New Addington office working in the Crime department.
I have found the level of responsibility given to me to be the most daunting but also the most rewarding aspect of my job. Since joining the Firm I have attended prisons, been a legal representative in a number of benefit fraud interviews and attended police stations.
I thoroughly enjoy my work and especially meeting clients. It is very gratifying to be able to help people when they need it most. I am particularly grateful for the wealth of support and advice offered from fee-earners, Trainee Solicitors and other Paralegals.
Divya Patel
University: University of Westminster
LPC: City Law School, London
Current Position: Paralegal
Current Department: Conveyancing
Year Joined: 2011
Highlights so far working for MW:
I joined McMillan Williams in January 2011 as a paralegal in the Conveyancing department at the Coulsdon office. There were a number of reasons why I joined this firm mainly for its incredible reputation in the field of Conveyancing and secondly, for its good career prospects, progression and development.
I spent four months of my Conveyancing training working for the senior partner. This was a fantastic experience for me. I received hands on training, lots of responsibilities and learned to manage my own caseload in a very short space of time, under close supervision.
I cannot wait to start my first seat as a Trainee Solicitor in the Conveyancing department.
I am currently based at the Wallington office in one of the firm’s largest and busiest Conveyancing departments. My knowledge, skills and experience gained to date has enabled me to efficiently work well under pressure in a fast pace and challenging environment.
All my supervisors have been really supportive and always on hand to answer questions and offer guidance and have been a great source of feedback. I am constantly encouraged to get involved in a broad range of work to ensure that I am constantly progressing.
Dwij Patel
University: University of Portsmouth
LPC: College of Law, Bloomsbury
Current Position: Trainee Solicitor
Current Department: Residential Conveyancing
Completed training seats: N/A
Year Joined: 2011
Highlights so far working for MW:
My love affair with McMillan Williams started on Valentines Day 2011 as I joined the firm as a Paralegal in the conveyancing team. I quickly discovered that I was working with one of the busiest teams for one of the highest billing fee earners in the firm. My fee earner’s expectations as to exceeding clients’ expectations, superb file management and efficient service, building and strengthening relationships with existing and potential referrers and providing the firm with a steady and reliable source of income were paramount.
In a tough legal market, I was fortunate to be offered a training contract in 2012 with the firm. I find that although my responsibilities have increased as a trainee, the learning provided as a Paralegal allowed a smooth transition into the role of the job of Trainee Solicitor.
A highlight of being a Paralegal or Trainee Solicitor at McMillan Williams is that you end up meeting fellow Paralegals and Trainee Solicitors from other offices, and on occasion you may be asked to work from different offices for the firm. There is a great atmosphere between the group, and we meet on several occasions during the year, both for work purposes and socially. Having been employed for a year, I have found that the senior trainees will always be at hand to give advice when needed, but equally you will be giving guidance to new members of Paralegal and Trainee Solicitors who have no experience in the field you are in.
I find that being an asset to McMillan Williams will invite McMillan Williams to be an asset to your career as a lawyer.
Farieda Elmi
University: University of Westminster
LPC: College of Law, Bloomsbury
Current position: Paralegal
Current Department: Conveyancing
Year joined: 2012
Highlights so far working for MW:
I joined McMillan Williams towards the end of January 2012 as a Paralegal in the conveyancing department for the South Croydon office.
Although I have only been here for a short while, working here has given me the opportunity to understand how the conveyancing procedure works from start to finish and the different aspects of it. This experience has not only allowed me to develop my skills in dealing with clients and other organizations but also to understand that no two cases are the same and each have their own challenges.
With the support of fee-earners and Trainee solicitors, paralegals are given a great deal of responsibility from the outset which provides for a more faced paced environment and an insight of how the legal profession operates.
I look forward to continuing my training with McMillan Williams.
Humzah Sherwani
University: University of Surrey
Postgraduate Degree: Law
University: Kingston University
LPC: College of Law, Guildford
Current Position: Paralegal
Current Department: Conveyancing
Year Joined: 2012
Highlights so far working for MW:
I was offered a conveyancing paralegal job in January 2012 in the Coulsdon office working with one of the solicitors there.
Having been here a short time, I am really enjoying the fact that you are given real tasks to do in progressing a case rather than menial tasks. You are given responsibility pretty early on but with the help of your supervisor, you are able to handle it and you are therefore able to learn quickly.
McMillan Williams also offers a number of internal training seminars which are invaluable as a Paralegal/Trainee Solicitor in ensuring you are up to date in terms of your knowledge and also improving it.
I look forward to continuing my training with McMillan Williams.
Keira Stone
University: University of Gloucestershire
LPC: College of Law, Bloomsbury
Current Position: Paralegal
Current Department: Conveyancing
Completed training seats: N/A
Year Joined: 2011
Highlights so far working for MW:
I was very fortunate to join McMillan Williams as a Paralegal in October 2011. I am currently working in the Conveyancing department at our Herne Hill office for one of the highest billing fee earners in the firm.
Although I have been here for a relatively short period of time, I have been given a great deal of responsibility and I have found the learning curve very enjoyable. By being a Paralegal I find I can be helpful to both my fee earner and support staff in any way possible and that allows me to obtain a sound knowledge of the conveyancing process. The skills and knowledge I have gained in my first three months have already proven to be invaluable.
McMillan Williams has training and social events throughout the year which provide the opportunity for all the offices to come together. These events are really good as you get to put faces to names and meet the new faces. We may be dotted over the South East but when we all get together you can see that we are One Firm.
Simon Rooney
GDL: Bournemouth University – 2009 – 2010
LPC: College of Law, Guildford – 2010 -2011
Current Position: Paralegal
Current Department: Personal Injury
Year Joined: 2011
Highlights so far working for MW:
I have recently joined McMillan Williams in January 2012 as a paralegal at MW House in Coulsdon. I work in the Personal Injury Department and have found the work here very interesting.
So far I have found McMillan Williams a great place to work. Everyone is supportive and welcoming and make you feel part of the firm from day one. I feel that since starting as paralegal I have already learnt so much. There have been many opportunities to develop my professional knowledge and skills, and I look forward to further developing these skills in the future.
I have enjoyed the work so far and although it can be challenging at times, it is such a great opportunity to learn and develop. The support from the fee earner and the other Paralegals/Trainee Solicitors is superb. The work in the Personal Injury Department is both engaging and interesting with plenty of opportunities to provide our clients with great advice and service. The litigation aspect of work is fairly new to me but is one that I am none the less relishing.
Sonia Fu
University: King’s College London
GDL and LPC: BPP Law School, London
Current Position: Paralegal
Current Department: Clinical Negligence/Personal Injury
Year Joined: 2011
Highlights so far working for MW:
After leaving full-time education in 2009, I worked in Residential Conveyancing and Immigration before joining the Clinical Negligence and Personal Injury department here at McMillan Williams in October 2011. I initially joined the Wallington office and have since moved to our Carshalton office.
The wide variety of cases ranging from birth injury cases to injuries caused by serious road traffic accidents have provided me with opportunities of working on the various different types of cases from day one. Each day provides new challenges and no one day is the same.
Although having only joined McMillan Williams for a few months, I have already attended several Counsel and Expert conferences; conducted initial client interviews etc. A great support network from your supervisors and your fellow Paralegals and Trainees ensure that invaluable advice and support is never far away. This balance between being entrusted with case work at an early stage coupled with the step by step support and supervision fosters a strong work ethic and confidence needed in becoming a successful solicitor.
I look forward to continuing my training and development at McMillan Williams.
Victoria Oni
University: School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS)
LPC: College of Law, Bloomsbury
Current Position: Paralegal
Current Department: Family and Child Law
Year Joined: 2011
Highlights so far working for MW:
I was fortunate enough to join McMillan Williams in March 2011 as a paralegal at the Thornton Heath office working in the Family and Child Law department.
I have recently been offered a Training Contract, which is due to commence in March 2012. I have thoroughly enjoyed managing care cases, private law children cases and ancillary relief matters under the supervision and support of experienced solicitors.
At McMillan Williams, supervisors regularly monitor paralegals on a one-to-one basis, and as such paralegals enjoy increasingly more complex work as they develop. Trainee Solicitors and paralegals are also provided with regular training courses often run by an in-house Consultant who happens to be a part-time Judge! Undoubtedly, I look forward to progressing further with McMillan Williams as a Trainee Solicitor.
John Molleskog
University: Canterbury Christ Church University
GDL: University of Sussex
LPC: College of Law, Bloomsbury
Current Position: Paralegal
Current Department: Crime
Year Joined: 2012
Highlights so far working for MW:
I commenced my employment as a paralegal at McMillan Williams in February 2012. I am currently a Paralegal in the crime department, working from the Wallington office.
I have come to the firm with previous experience in the field of criminal law having worked as a Paralegal in the Appeals and Prison Law department at my previous firm. I have already found that the friendly atmosphere and professional approach adopted by all the staff at McMillan Williams has helped me to settle quickly into my new role.
I am currently a Paralegal to both criminal solicitors based at the Wallington office. This means that in the short time I have been here I have already been able to start experiencing a variety of cases.
One of the things I am enjoying most about working for McMillan Williams is the level of responsibility that the firm gives to its Paralegals. The firm of course demands the highest standard of work from its Paralegals however they also provide a high level of support and training. I have found that the other members of the criminal department are always ready to answer any questions any questions that I have for them. This is of course helping me to expand my knowledge and can only benefit me in the future.
I am now greatly looking forward to the future at McMillan Williams and hope to quickly establish my own caseload while continuing to broaden my experience in criminal law.
Gurpreet Kaur-Lalli
University: London South Bank
LPC: BPP Waterloo
Current position: Paralegal
Current Department: Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence
Year joined: 2012
I joined McMillian Williams in January 2012 as a paralegal based in the New Addington Office. I am currently working in the Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence department.
Although I have been with the firm for a short period of time, I have been given a great insight on how a claim progresses over a period of time.
With the support of the fee earners in the New Addington office, I have been given a great deal of responsibility and experience which in return has helped develop my skills in the department from the onset.
I look forward to continuing my training with McMillan Williams.