A Day in the Life of a Paralegal Apprentice at Access Social Care
Nel, ASC's Paralegal Apprentice in the woods
What gets you started in the morning, Tea or Coffee?
Definitely coffee.
Hi, I’m Nel and I’m a Paralegal Apprentice at Access Social Care.
Tell us a little bit about yourself
Your role: Paralegal Apprentice.
Where you work: Access Social Care – Legal Team.
How long you’ve been there: Just under 2 months.
How Did You Become a Paralegal Apprentice?
I have worked for health and welfare charities since 2020, but my previous roles were in fundraising and communications. Before that, I was a home care worker while studying at university, supporting a range of people with different disabilities and conditions such as Motor Neurone Disease to Autism. This is where my interest in social care began, and I focussed my dissertation on emotional labour in home care work. I then did a Master’s degree in Social Research, where I explored care in a capitalist system.
I was looking for an entry-level legal role and by chance saw the apprenticeship role at Access. It was a stars-aligned moment, and I knew I had to apply!
Why Access Social Care appealed to you
I am really grateful to be a part of the Access team because I want to be a part of helping people directly, as well as making positive and systemic changes to the social care sector. I believe that everyone should have access to the care and support they need, and so it’s great to work for an organisation that truly embodies this.
What being an apprentice means to you personally
I was nervous initially about becoming an apprentice at 28 since it felt like starting again from zero. However, I am a lifelong learner, and being an apprentice is giving me a fantastic opportunity to retrain in a field that I wouldn’t be able to access otherwise. I feel grateful to have this opportunity to develop my legal career with support and guidance from my colleagues, as well as being able to gain my Paralegal qualification.
What does your typical day look like?
I support the team with a range of tasks, including administration and legal research. This week I have been doing some research into the Care Act 2014 to help on several cases, including one involving a delay to putting care and support in place.
I spend a bit of time each day learning, too. This week I attended a training about the Mental Health Act 2025 which was very interesting and has broadened my knowledge.
I have also been using my social research skills to help improve how we capture impact and stories through the pro bono clinics we run with law firms.
Each Thursday is my study day. This means I attend university for my law course; I read the legal material in the morning, and then have a workshop taught by a lecturer in this afternoon. We are currently doing Public Law which I am enjoying.
Learning on the Job
Skills you’re developing
Legal research
General legal knowledge
Communication skills
Support or mentoring you receive
I receive support from the whole team who have a wealth of community care law experience and knowledge. I am really excited to learn from everyone.
Something new you’ve learned recently
I have learned a lot about carer’s rights, which has been helpful for me on a personal level as I have family members in caring roles. It has been empowering to help them by passing on this knowledge. I have also been experimenting with AccessAva, our digital tool for social care rights, which is very useful for getting information about social care needs.
What’s the best part about your role?
I love being a part of work that helps others. I also enjoy being able to learn on the job. It’s great to see concepts being put into practice and people being supported to get the care and support they need and are entitled to.
How do you wrap up your day?
Final tasks
Keep a note of my activities to help with my exam preparation
Check my calendar for tomorrow and draft a to-do list
Check in with our team social chat since we work remotely (dog pictures are usually a winner!)
Reflecting on the day
Sum up life at Access Social Care three words
Supported
Mission-led
Empowering