Category Archives: Law and Legal Services

Employer Case Study: Reeds Solicitors

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name of Organisation: Reeds Solicitors 

Description of Organisation: Reeds is a successful and progressive firm and has established itself as one of the leading criminal defence and family law practises in the South of England. They have taken time to carefully recruit a team of exceptional police station representatives, paralegals, and solicitors, based not only on their recognised legal knowledge, but also their passion and genuine commitment to achieving the best possible results for our clients. They are a fun and flexible firm with good opportunities for development and career progression. 

Job Title: Office Manager 

Internship Scheme used 

Employer Subsidies – Access to Internships | Employer Engagement & Student Employment | University of Exeter  

Feedback: 

“Overall, it was very easy, Isabelle though made that so. She is pleasant, confident and enthusiastic which all goes towards slotting into the workplace smoothly. Four weeks was not long enough but I hope that Isabelle found it useful and informative in regard to her future career choices and perspective of where she might end up.

Student Case Study: Saudi British Joint Business Council (SBJBC)

Name of Student:  Elizabeth Trunceite 

Degree Subject: LLB Law with European Study 

Job Title: Membership and Marketing Manager 

Company Name:  Saudi British Joint Business Council (SBJBC) 

Description of Organization:  

SBJBC UK is a not-for-profit membership association which works closely with the Department for International Trade and British and Saudi Chambers of Commerce to strengthen business relations between the UK and Saudi Arabia, introduce new companies to the market and support those already on the ground. 

 Type of Internship:   

 Student Business Partnerships (SBPs)   

 What were your key duties and responsibilities during your internship? 

Mostly my key duties were events management, marketing initiatives, receptionist duties as well as interacting with clients in promoting the company and gathering new members. I was also involved in securing sponsorships, as well as organizing logistics for sector focused events. 

What was your biggest achievement on your internship? 

The biggest personal achievement for me was building a professional rapport and greater confidence in my own abilities. Also, the many projects and opportunities which I was able to get involved in that provided for a variable experience! 

Were there any challenges and how did you overcome these?  

Working to close deadlines was a challenge which I faced but this was overcome with good teamwork. 

Skills Learnt: 

  • Ability to Work Under Pressure 
  • Organization 
  • Communication 
  • Teamwork and collaboration 
  • Customer service 

 Attributes Developed: 

  • Logical thinking 
  • Creative thinking 
  • Independence 
  • Work Ethic 
  • Professionalism 

 Your message to other students considering a similar job role, organization or sector?

“It was a lovely experience with a great team and an inclusive working environment. I worked there for nearly 5 months, and it was a great hands-on internship that taught me so much.” 

Student Case Study: Reeds Solicitors 

Name of Student:  Isabelle Dunlop

Degree Subject:  BA Sociology

Job Title: Intern

Company Name:  Reeds Solicitors

Type of Internship: Access to Internships (A2I) 

What were your key duties and responsibilities during your internship?

Case work, shadowing barristers and solicitors

What was your biggest achievement on your internship?

I transcribed a one hour police interview, which was gladly appreciated by the private law department.

Skills Learnt: 

  • Ability to Work Under Pressure
  • Communication
  • Networking

Attributes Developed:

  • Initiative
  • Motivation
  • Perseverance
  • Professionalism

Your message to other students considering a similar job role, organisation or sector?

I have really enjoyed my experience at Reeds solicitors; I was told that they would open a vacancy following my graduation. It is a great team to have been part of and a brilliant place to work. I was given lots of opportunities such as shadowing barristers and solicitors in the Magistrates and Crown Courts, I learnt a lot and met some wonderful people who I hope to meet again. I was also trusted to complete case work, such as transcribing a one hour police interview, reviewing text messages that could be used as evidence in a case and copy typing a hand-written statement. I did not want my internship to end!

Student Case Study: Solidum Solicitors

 

Name of Student:  Fedaa Al Jundi

Degree Subject:  LLB Law

Job Title: Legal Assistant

Company Name:  Solidum Solicitors

Type of Internship: Access to Internships (A2I)

What were your key duties and responsibilities during your internship?

Ability to prioritise work.
Analytical skills.
Organisational skills.
Ability to strictly adhere to guidelines and procedures.
Communication and time management skills.
Problem solving.
General administrative work of a law firm.

What was your biggest achievement on your internship?

I have developed new skills during my internship that I would not have developed during my studies which will set me up for the real workplace upon graduation. An example is how to deal with clients effectively or if they were vulnerable, for e.g. they have lost a loved one and were applying for probate.

Skills Learnt: 

  • Ability to Work Under Pressure
  • Customer Service
  • Organisation

Attributes Developed:

  • Logical thinking
  • Cultural Awareness
  • Independence

Your message to other students considering a similar job role, organisation or sector?

I was involved in litigation cases where I was putting together trial paperwork and bundles. I did work in different areas of law, which narrowed my choices when thinking about specialising in one or two areas after graduation. I did legal research in different ways for different areas of law. I drafted letters and documents for court cases, which improved my legal drafting skills. I am very grateful for this opportunity.

This experience was overall amazing. It has boosted my confidence and provided me with new contacts. I would urge anyone to apply for internships even if they are not paid, because it will open many doors and provide many future opportunities. This was reflected during my internship, as I secured a paralegal role a day after my internship ended.

Alumni Profile: John Rhodes (LLB Law Degree)

Name: John Rhodes

Nationality: British and German

What did you study at the University of Exeter? LLB Law

What year did you graduate? 1973

What country are you currently working in? Switzerland

Tell us a a bit about your time at Exeter, why did you choose to study here?

I chose Exeter for several reasons: mainly because the course involved foreign and European laws. Exeter was at the forefront of teaching European law and at that time also taught French law. Very few Universities were as forward thinking. I knew I would be using my languages in my career. Secondly, Exeter’s surrounding area is one of the most beautiful in the country and I did not fancy being in an urban sprawl, having been brought up in London. Thirdly, it’s a long way from anywhere!

What did you enjoy most about studying here?

The friendliness of the teaching staff (although Professor Parker was a bit scary) and the size of the University, in those days only 4.000 students!

Did you use the Careers Service while you were at Exeter? If so, how did they help you?

No, I didn’t need to, I made my own enquiries.

Your career,  what have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?

I became a Solicitor and found a firm in London which needed German speakers. (That was not so easy as most just wanted French speakers for their Paris and/or Brussels offices). The two firms I found both made me offers of articles and I accepted one. I became a Partner in that firm, and eventually Head of the German Department (we had offices in Hamburg and Frankfurt). I ran the Frankfurt Office for a while. I was with that firm for 32 years and then, when the firm’s fortunes waned, decided to look outside the box and joined a commercial and international firm in Zurich. Now I know why I studied trusts at Exeter!

What do you enjoy most about your work?

I advise on English law in a Swiss law firm. The Swiss lawyers come to for advice on their English law/English language cases, litigation, arbitration, contracts and I advise clients who may have business or assets in Switzerland who require assistance -company/commercial or tax/trusts.

How have your University of Exeter studies helped in your career?

Everything one learns at University has some relevance at some point. I never thought trusts law would come to so important for me. Of course company law and commercial law were the backbone of my career. Criminal law was fascinating in the first year but of little practical use as it turned out.

Do you have any advice for current students wishing to pursue your career?

If you are a German speaker, do get in touch with the British-German Jurists Association who will guide you towards those firms, all round the country, and abroad, who will be most interested in giving you articles, or a summer placement.

What are your plans for the future?

I am nearing retirement age. Luckily, or unluckily, I can work as long as I wish…..

Do you have any tips or advice on being employable?

I used to interview prospective trainees. Ensure your CV has no spelling errors and that your referees know they are your referees (I once received a very poor reference from an academic – he said he neither liked nor trusted the applicant!). Make sure the CV includes all hobbies and extracurricular interests. If you speak a language, say so and mention how fluent you are. Particularly if your grades are mediocre, you have to sell yourself in some other way.

Student Case Study: Saudi British Joint Business Council

Name of Student:  Sophie Wormley

Degree Subject:  BSc Politics and International Relations

Job Title: Membership and Marketing Assistant

Company Name:  Saudi British Joint Business Council

Description of Company: We are an independent and private sector-led body, which aims to develop and enhance business relations between Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom. Through both its British and Saudi members and its Secretariat in London and Riyadh, the council offers a range of services and provides access to high-level governmental and private sector networks in Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom.

Type of Internship:  Student Business Partnerships (SBPs) 

What were your key duties and responsibilities during your internship?

Throughout this internship I have had many responsibilities including marketing events, recruiting new members, drafting the monthly newsletter and helped organise our big event.

What outputs and outcomes did you deliver for your employer?  

One output I produced was the monthly newsletter which I drafted each month, this would inform the members of any updates to our organisation as well as some news updates in Saudi Arabia. We would encourage members to take part in our upcoming events and it certainly increased the engagement. Another output I produced was marketing our organisation’s events on LinkedIn to increase awareness of not only our events but also our organisation to encourage new members to join. Through several posts, the organisation’s LinkedIn gained many followers.

What was your biggest achievement on your internship?

My biggest achievement was my input in ensuring the smoothness of the big event we ran. SBJBC hosted the ‘UK/Saudi Sustainable Investment Forum’ in mid July and it required a lot of effort in all areas. My role was to market the event as well as complete a lot of admin tasks including creating spreadsheets of the attendees and ensuring they had the relevant documents (ie. approval and Covid restrictions). As a result of my work, the event ran very smoothly and was well organised across all areas.

What did not go so well on your internship? How did you overcome any challenges?

I certainly felt shy at some points in the internship and lacked the confidence to talk on group calls. However, throughout the course of my internship I have made a considerable effort to improve on this. Through researching the events and asking questions, I now feel a lot more confident speaking on calls.

Skills Learnt:  

  • Ability to Work Under Pressure
  • Organisation
  • Leadership
  • Strategic Planning
  • Decision Making

Attributes Developed:

  • Logical thinking
  • Creative thinking
  • Independence
  • Work Ethic
  • Professionalism

Your message to other students considering a similar job role, organisation or sector?

“I have loved completing my internship this summer. Not only has it massively improved my confidence, it has given me many employability skills which will certainly help in the future. I have learned the importance of team work, especially working within such a small team as I have had constant communication with my colleagues. Although I may have felt shy at some points, I overcame this by asking questions and carrying out lots of research to ensure I felt confident speaking on calls.”

Saudi British Joint Business Council- Employer Case Study

Name of Organisation: Saudi British Joint Business Council

Description of Organisation: We are an independent and private sector-led body, which aims to develop and enhance business relations between Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom. Through both its British and Saudi members and its Secretariat in London and Riyadh, the council offers a range of services and provides access to high-level governmental and private sector networks in Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom.

Name of Employer: Chris Innes-Hopkins

Job Title: UK Executive Director

Internship Scheme used:  A2I, SBP

Employer subsidies (A2I) – Employment Services – University of Exeter

Student Business Partnership (SBP) – Employment Services – University of Exeter

Feedback:

We hired a Business Council Membership and Marketing Assistant through the University of Exeter Internship Scheme. The intern was prepared for the workplace and worked extremely well. He made an excellent contribution to SBJBC’s work and events, including leading on development of a new website.

The intern quickly made an impression and became a valuable member of our small team, leading on a number of events as well as preparation also. He demonstrated flexibility through remote working, working when necessary.

The Exeter internships at SBJBC have offered students the opportunity to help manage high profile events and important business relationships.  We were so impressed by the calibre of the student that we extended his role and offered him a full-time role for another six months to take forward a number of new projects. It’s pleasing to know that many interns have used the experience to move onto relevant careers in public and government affairs and communications.

This is the sixth time we have used the University’s Internship scheme, and as before it was a very positive experience. We received a good service from the Internships Team and would definitely recommend the Internships Scheme to other employers

 

Restore Support Network- Employer Case Study

Name of Organisation: Restore Support Network

Description of Organisation: We are a national registered charity who provides personalised and specialist one to one support for people who are in prison prior to release, as well as those who are over the age of 50 with criminal convictions in the community with physical, mental health or social care needs.

Name of Employer: Stuart Ware

Job Title: Chief Executive Officer

Internship Scheme used:  A2I Employer subsidies (A2I) – Employment Services – University of Exeter

Feedback:

We recruited an intern to work as a Trainee Mentor and Coordinator who worked exceptionally well as part of our small team.

We were all very happy with the calibre of the student. She worked hard to meet all the objectives we set and played a lead role in developing an ex-offenders women’s group which was attended by over 10 women.

The University of Exeter student proved an enormous benefit to our charity and she contributed greatly to the development of our women’s support group. Without hesitation we would have her again placed with us. She was a great credit to the university.

We found the internship experience very positive and the contribution our intern made in our organisation was outstanding.

 

 

HR Administrator – Fugro GB Marine Ltd

What were your main roles and responsibilities during the course of your internship?

Uploading vacancies to our website, intranet, and job boards, organising the recruitment mailbox and ensure hiring managers receive all incoming applications, arranging interviews and tests, as well as inductions, by liaising with candidates and managers, receiving all right to work documentation, CV’s and new starter forms and filing these appropriately, drafting letters to employees and new starters for salary reviews, contractual changes and promotions, navigating and where required, updating, company processes for recruitment and resignations, coordinating leavers, including confirming any final payroll deductions and booking exit interviews, creating contracts for new starters and inputting contractual changes to our systems for current staff, handling rejections, offers, queries, and the day to day requests for the HR Department.

What would you say was your biggest achievement over the course of your internship?

I learnt a lot of information about the HR sector – developing skills in contracts, documentation and the importance of attention to detail in relation to this, and generally improved the formulation of processes and strategies to aid efficiency!

What benefits did your internship bring to your employer?

I have eased the pressures on a very busy HR department, allowing HR Advisors to actually complete their advisor work rather than administrative tasks. I have also noted necessary changes to previous procedures in admin, making processes more user friendly and less time-consuming.

What skills were you able to develop through the internship?

Communication, organisation, focus on goals and outcomes

What attributes were you able to develop through the internship?

Commercial awareness, motivation, personal awareness

First Steps Scheme Student – CMS Legal Services

pexels-photo-261664

What were your main duties and responsibilities during the course of your internship?

During the scheme I was placed within the Real Estate department of the office. I was allocated a trainee ‘buddy’ and a associate supervisor from the department. They both provided me with tasks throughout the week which included;
– researching the tax implications of reverse premium payments and producing an advisory memo on this,
– drafting tenancy agreements and drafting variance clauses into leases,
– ‘buddy checking’ documents for cross referencing errors as well as legal definitions.

When not working in the department I took part in many skills sessions, including sessions on presentation, networking and negotiation skills. I also attended a conference on ‘Innovation at CMS’ which was very informative, and was given a talk by current partners at the firm on their career journey. At the end of the week we had to deliver a presentation, mine being on why Diversity and Inclusion is so important to CMS.

What would you say was your biggest achievement over the course of your internship?

My biggest achievement would be delivering my presentation at the end of the week. I had practised and perfected my presentation over the course of the week and as a result, the delivery went very well. I managed my nerves and was able to put the presentation skills I had learned in the workshop earlier that week into practice.

What benefits did your internship bring to your employer?

I was able to release the workload of my trainee ‘buddy’ by completing tasks on his behalf, such as the buddy checking and drafting I mentioned earlier.