Winner: SARAH O’NEILL
Centre: LTC (Law Training Centre)
What made you decide to do the NALP Level 3 Paralegal Certificate?
I have worked in legal all my working career and have done various short courses during that time. In the last few years, I have been working in the private client area dealing with Probate, Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney and in this particular role I also do residential conveyancing. As I had not worked in the private client area before and the fact that I was enjoying working in that area I thought I would benefit from completing a course. After doing some research I decided upon the Level 3 Award which included Wills and Succession which I completed therefore it was an easy decision to progress to the Level 3 Certificate and this time I included conveyancing in my subjects.
What was your experience studying with LTC?
I completed both my courses through LTC and have found them to be very helpful and supportive during that time. They are easily contactable either through phone or email with quick responses. I also found that their online course allowed me to progress at my own pace, but still having the benefit of having assistance from them and their tutors whenever I needed them. I had not studied with them before and was really happy with my choice.
Now that you’ve passed your Level 3 Certificate in Paralegal Practice, with such great results, what are your plans for your paralegal career?
I currently work in a Solicitors office and am utilising my skills that I have learnt through the Level 3 Award and Certificate courses. Having enjoyed studying again I am considering enrolling for a further course possibly the Level 4 Diploma, but not until next year as I am having a well-deserved break!
What tips would you give to other Learners to help them do as well as you in their paralegal exams?
I do like to write notes whilst studying as I believe this helps to take in the information better and then I like to re-read the course work afterwards as I am sure most people do, but once completed I do spend a lot of time online researching different articles and material regarding a particular subject and I also spent a lot of time studying cases. It’s great that there are lots of really useful websites available for this purpose. I also like to print off any forms that are referred to in the coursework. For example, when studying Employment Law I printed the ET1 Form and completed it which I found extremely helpful in understanding what information is required and how that is utilised.
Why are you proud to be a paralegal?
I am a mature student and decided to enrol on the course not only because I had a recent interest in Probate, Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney, but I also wanted to do the course for myself. I am very proud of the fact that that not only did I pass the course, but that I passed with such a great result and having also passed the Level 3 Award I now have two Awards sitting on my mantlepiece which is a reminder of what I have achieved and that “you are never too old”!
If you are considering a legal course, then I would highly recommend both NALP and LTC.
