There is no single route into a career in law. For Nicola Dicks, her journey at BPE has taken her from secretary to paralegal and now solicitor apprentice, with her sights set on qualifying as a solicitor in 2028.
Nicola first experienced life at BPE through work experience in 2009, before returning to spend the summer of 2011 in the Personal Injury department. She officially joined the firm in June 2019 as a secretary in the Family team.
From secretary to paralegal
Starting her career in a business support role gave Nicola valuable insight into how a legal team operates and how solicitors work with their clients.
“I learnt so much,” Nicola says. “How each of the fee earners worked, how they explained complex topics to clients, the way that you write differently to others and compliance requirements.”
Her progression into a paralegal role was gradual. Initially supporting Jemma Jones, Head of the Family team, and Senior Associate Hannah Mills, Jemma recognised that Nicola was increasingly undertaking more challenging work and suggested that she move towards a paralegal role.
“It was a gradual process but definitely encouraged by Jemma,” Nicola says.
Jemma has seen Nicola develop throughout her time at BPE and says her progression has been particularly rewarding to watch.
“Having been with us for a number of years, Nicola was already an integral and valued member of the team when she started her training,” Jemma says. “Her progression has been wonderful to see. Nicola is technically excellent and always keen to learn more.”
Jemma also highlights Nicola’s commitment to her clients, which has resulted in regular positive feedback and recommendations from clients to their friends and family.
Taking a different route to qualification
Having completed a degree outside of law, Nicola wanted to continue working while developing her legal knowledge and qualifications. The solicitor apprenticeship route offered the opportunity to combine theoretical study with practical experience.
“I want to learn while I am working, gaining the theoretical and practical experience at the same time, and so doing an apprenticeship seemed perfect for that,” she says.
Nicola has now passed SQE1 and is preparing for SQE2, which focuses on practical legal skills including case and client management, contract drafting, negotiation, advocacy and arbitration. The SQE2 assessments are expected to take place in early 2028.
Alongside this, Nicola is halfway through her apprenticeship. Every 12 weeks, she focuses on a different competency, demonstrating how she meets the requirements before being assessed by her tutor.
Balancing work, study and life outside of both has been one of the biggest challenges, but Nicola has been supported by the Family team throughout her training.
“Everyone has been very supportive, especially Jemma, who was the one who encouraged me to do it,” Nicola says. “The team shows interest in what I am studying and I have a study day per week as part of the terms of the apprenticeship, which they also support.”
Learning through experience
For Nicola, one of the key benefits of her route into qualification has been the opportunity to gain practical experience alongside her studies.
“I feel that I gained more experience going this route than I would have done by sitting in a lecture hall,” she says. “It is so beneficial seeing the solicitors in the team firsthand.”
Observing how the team interacts with clients, discusses cases and approaches different matters has allowed Nicola to learn from those around her throughout her career.
Jemma believes this practical experience is one of the key benefits of alternative routes into qualification.
“The traditional route into becoming a solicitor by going to university and the Legal Practice Course before entering the workplace doesn’t enable people to see what their future career will look and feel like,” she says.
“From an employer’s point of view, studying for qualifications alongside the day-to-day job means the individual is far more experienced when they qualify.”
BPE is supporting a number of apprentices at different stages of their development, with Nicola the first to undertake the SQE route.
“It is exciting to see them come through via this route,” Jemma says. “I believe it is far more valuable to them and BPE.”
Nicola’s next stage of her journey is clear, continuing to develop her skills and experience before qualifying as a solicitor in 2028.
From her progression from secretary to paralegal, and now to solicitor apprentice, Nicola highlights how a career in law can develop through practical experience, continued learning and the support of those around you.
