November '21 Paralegal of the Month: Sarah Bamidele

Hi Sarah! Could you introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your background?

My name is Sarah, I am an LLB Law graduate from University of Leicester. I am an aspiring commercial lawyer. I have experience in both in-house and private practice as well as Compliance. I run a platform called YOS Network, A digital motivation and knowledge-sharing platform which promotes diversity by connecting the like-minded and collaboration of ideas amongst diverse groups. I host bi-weekly commercial awareness conference calls with current and aspiring corporate professionals. Aside from law, I love to create fashion and skincare content, I am an avid gym goer and dance class attendee.

How did you first become interested in working in law?

I first became interested in law when I watched my father growing up, an immigration lawyer who represented clients and resolved their problems. I admired this and it led me to seek legal experience during my academic years relevant to a career in law. During my two-week placement at Raffles Haig Solicitors, I shadowed an immigration solicitor and was given the opportunity to deliver a positive outcome to a client of indefinite leave to remain in the UK. The satisfaction that came with knowing my efforts will significantly impact the client’s life drew me to pursue a client-centric career. However, my interest in commercial law developed when I attended the Aspiring Solicitors’ Springboard programme where I analysed the acquisition of a company. I developed an appreciation for the intricacies involved in commercial law and achieving the best outcome when negotiating. Following this, I attended several events and open days to equip my knowledge as I felt that I was more suited to this area of law given that it reflected with my interests for business, entrepreneurship and current affairs.

Could you tell us about your experience of working through Flex Legal?

I have worked for Centrica, McEvedys and Allen & Overy, Peerpoint on document review projects. I thoroughly enjoyed this experience as I was able to develop the skills and knowledge I had gained in my previous paralegal role, where I was first shown how to opitimise legal tech to complete document review tasks. I thoroughly enjoy Flex because I am exposed to a wide-array of opportunities and it is easily accessible given the emails that alert us about new opportunities. My current role has been extended and I have settled in well. The onboarding process with Flex has been smooth and seamless. I highly recommend this platform as it has certainly helped me in my legal journey.

Where are you currently working?

Allen & Overy LLP, Peerpoint.

What have you found most interesting about your recent role?

I have enjoyed the opportunity to learn a unique area of employment tax law. I have also enjoyed developing my transferable skills within this role. For example, my role involves liaising with internal stakeholders and senior colleagues. This has enabled me to build my confidence in analysing information, and making sound judgements. It has helped with increasing my attention to detail (which I must say is a key skill to master within the law) and I have had the chance to learn from experienced, intelligent professionals such as my manager. I also enjoy the fact that I have been able to make friends with other paralegals and network with lawyers at the firm.

What advice would you give to those looking to get into paralegal work?

Be prepared to get thrown in the deep end. Be open to learning and look at every task assigned to you (even the mundane tasks) as an opportunity to learn or develop the key transferable skills that is needed to be a successful lawyer.