Another network? Don’t we have so many already!?

ARTICLE

Another network? Don’t wehave so many already!?

The legal profession is full of networking groups and events. Is there a need to launch yet another network? Don’t we have so many already? The answer to that question is no, not for Paralegals! I remember starting my first paralegal job not knowing what to expect. I have been in the legal industry since 2012 alongside studying, but this was my first paralegal role, and I was thrown straight in. I really enjoyed working at the firm and learnt a lot about resilience, perseverance and attentiveness. This helped me build my confidence, and even more importantly, gave me direction for my career.

I worked as a paralegal both pre-lockdown and post-lockdown, so I knew how to adjust and the difference it made to perform in my role effectively. As paralegals, there is so much pressure and competition within the workplace or even the classroom at law school, whether it is who is going to get that next spot as a trainee or who has a training contract already, but no one rarely talks about the mental, physical, and emotional side of this stage within a legal career. That’s when the idea of T.P.N – The Paralegal Network came to mind. I for one, did not have many people who I could speak to about my journey as a Paralegal and moving forward to attain that training contract. That’s when I sought out people within my network and started to build from there. Social media is a highlight reel, that you rarely see people talk or open up about the struggles they’ve faced. Whether it’s a job they were let go of or that one exam they failed. Therefore, I wanted to create a safe space for paralegals to come together, talk, be accountable, challenge and encourage each other. You never know, you might just meet someone who has been through similar challenges to you or is struggling with the same thing!

So, to all the paralegals out there, whether it’s just making that move and applying for that training contract or being honest about your workload, do it. An old colleague and I discussed the pressures and demand that come with being a paralegal, so we wanted to create a network where people can network, connect and support each other on their journey to becoming a qualified solicitor in the UK. Each law firm is different so, we wanted to build a community of paralegals to have a space to be honest, know how to deal with difficult colleagues, ask questions or even ask help to navigate their way through the role.

Nothing bad comes from being honest and true to yourself. As the saying goes, ‘you don’t ask, you don’t get’ and the worst someone can say is a no. One persons no, is someone else’s opportunity to say yes. Join us on LinkedIn where we will be providing monthly virtual sessions for paralegals - we hope this is of benefit to all the paralegals out there!

Search for ‘T.P.N – The Paralegal Network’ on LinkedIn. Instagram @TPNparalegalsUK ■

Lotus Kimona

Lotus Kimona

Family Law Paralegal

Co-op Legal Services