The job title alone hints that this role doesn’t consist of just one job. From organising paperwork to retrieving files from the archives, alongside post runs and regular interaction, no day is the same. What might be expected of me on Monday will be totally different to what’s expected from me on Tuesday.
Doing this job means I have multiple duties throughout the day. However, I have the free reign to complete them in an order I’m comfortable with, that being within the given deadline. Having personal systems in place for each task is important to stay on track and meet my deadlines.
Post runs are expected of me throughout the day to ensure all internal post is distributed around the office to keep workflow running smoothly, along with the external post that we send out at the end of the day, and the post that comes in earlier on in the day which I must open, stamp, and distribute. Files are often needed by my colleagues which aren’t always readily at hand. Therefore, I must retrieve them from the archives. This task is interesting because sometimes you are required to research the file to find out where it will be stored.
And when I find I have completed all my daily tasks, I move onto the less regular, but still important, tasks, such as organising the use and transportation of the confidential waste. In a nutshell, there are bags for when my colleagues print off paperwork, so that they have a place to put their paper when it’s no longer needed. I then collect and carry these bags to a certain location within our office for them to be disposed of, which is done by the shredding company who pick them up on the specified date arranged between themselves and me. It’s important when doing this task that the old shredding bags are replaced with new ones, for the process to be repeated when necessary.
I also cover reception when required. For example, if somebody needs their lunch covering or somebody calls in sick, I am usually asked to step in. When I have completed all my tasks, I help on reception. It’s a very good aspect of the job because by answering the calls and talking to clients, I can build my knowledge and skills for all our areas.
When working in this role you can gain very useful insights to the culture of a law firm, you can witness first-hand the lives of solicitors across a wide range of legal areas, and you can also witness their interactions with clients. The job itself is eye opening as you learn what your rights are as a person, and how different cases can turn out.
As for my colleagues and managers, I couldn’t feel more supported. I was welcomed with open arms, as a student who only ever worked part-time in retail and fast-food. I have learned a wide variety of skills and I feel by doing this job I have the opportunity to progress not only in my career, but also as a person.
I would 10/10 recommend this job to anybody, experienced or inexperienced, but with the willingness to multitask and learn new things every day.
Evie Parker
James Murray Solicitors is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Reg numbers 74277 & 421603 ‘Contracted with the Legal Aid Agency’.
