February 25 2022
Paralegal Spotlight: Shannon Grant
Case Studies
Tanya Robinson
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Hi Shannon! Could you please introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your background?
I graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2020 with a degree in Sociology and Law, and proceeded to complete the GDL at ULaw. Before securing a placement with Flex, I volunteered with the Citizens Advice Bureau and also worked at a Group Litigation firm in London. Outside of work and studying, my main interests are anything food-related, skiing and travel. I feel very fortunate to have managed to get a week of skiing in before getting stuck into the LPC and continuing my role at DWF.How did you first become interested in working in law?
Whilst at university, I completed two summer internships with global snacking and confectionary giant Pladis. During this time I had the opportunity to work with the legal team and learn about their central role in the business. I found their work far more attractive than branding and marketing, and decided to explore this further. I went on to complete a mini-pupilage with 3PB in family law, completed some virtual experience programmes in commercial law, and volunteered with Citizens Advice. All of these experiences enhanced my interest and assured me that my skillset was well-aligned with a legal career.Could you tell us about your experience of working through Flex Legal?
I found working through Flex incredibly supportive, but also a seamless process. I was accepted on my second application and immediately received roles I was deemed suitable for. Flex kept in touch throughout my placement, and were responsive to any issues I had. Whilst it is subjective to each placement, my time with Flex offered a great deal of flexibility with regards to hours, and I felt well supported.Where are you currently working?
Following my placement with Flex, I was offered a permanent paralegal position within the Occupational Health and Casualty Team at DWF. Acting for insurer, self-insured and broker clients, I assist on EL/PL matters; from small value fast-track, to higher value multi-track, claims. I support other fee-earners with everything from drafting and document review, to legal research and liaising with counsel and experts. My role is incredibly varied and I have been awarded more responsibility as I learn and progress.What have you found most interesting about your recent role?
I really enjoy seeing everything I have learnt in practice and also learning the business operations of a law firm.What advice would you give to those looking to get into paralegal work?
It is important to not lose sight of everything you have achieved so far. Use any unsuccessful applications as an opportunity to improve, and continue to be authentic. My experience at DWF has taught me that there is still a great deal of myth-busting that needs to be achieved within the legal sphere. I’m not sure what I expected, but I am overwhelmed by how welcoming and supportive my team at DWF are.Additional Resources:
- Hire now - want to take on some top quality interim legal professionals like Shannon? Check out our ‘hire’ page today to find the paralegals and lawyers you need to ease your team’s workload.
- How we've supported Emerald Publishing with interim lawyers - perhaps Shannon’s experiences have got you wondering what interim legal resourcing could do for your team? Take a look at this case study, where we break down how we supported Emerald Publishing with interim lawyers.
- Apply to be a Flex Paralegal - interested in what the world of interim paralegal work could look like for you? Well look no further! Click here to learn more and perhaps even apply.