I Got Hired: Criminal Defence Paralegal

Posted on: 30 January 2023 by Samantha Riella in Graduate stories

Ellie Ingleton is a class of 2021 Criminology graduate, now working at ZMS Solicitors as a Criminal Defence Specialist in a Law Firm in Leicester.

How did you find out about the role?

I heard about the role of a Paralegal through a mutual connection. I got in touch with her and enquired as to whether or not the company she worked for at the time had any vacancies. Fast forward a few weeks and I was introduced to the one of the Director's. After a few phone calls and message exchanges myself and him set up a telephone interview and the rest is history!

How did you get to where you are now?

Hard work got me here! I started from the bottom and with a lack of knowledge as to the processes and procedures at both the police station and court, and in the legal sector in general. I listened, made copious amounts of notes and absorbed as much information as possible from colleagues and wider connections both at work and at out of hours social and networking events too. Thankfully, this had a knock on affect on my progression within the company. I started in a relatively administrative role and have worked my way through from the Magistrates Court to the Crown Court, preparing serious crime cases and consulting with client's both in and out of prison. I have undertaken a qualification on the side of my day to day job which will enable me to represent individuals at the police station too.

What has been your best experience as part of your role?

My favourite experience has to have been preparing a criminal case for a matter that has gone to trial, to later find out the client has been acquitted. In other words, my hard work paid of! To say that is is rewarding knowing your work has made a huge difference to somebody's life prospects is an understatement.

What has been the most challenging part of your graduate journey?

The most challenging part of my graduate journey has to have been feeling like an opportunity may just not come around. It feels overwhelming to graduate and not have a job already lined up as it can elicit feelings of not quite knowing what direction you are heading in, however, through perseverance and by putting a little less pressure on yourself things do eventually just fall into place.

What is your top tip for other students and graduates?

Believe in yourself, embrace the moment and don't give up!