1. What has your career been like at Hodgkinsons Solicitors so far?
Since becoming a part of the team in July last year I have learnt a significant amount about clinical negligence and personal injury, particularly regarding the steps we take behind the scenes in order to make a claim. The cases I assist with are always of a wide variety, so no two files are ever the same. I think this why I find my role within the Company very interesting as I am forever learning new medical terms.
From the day I first stepped foot in the office I was made to feel very welcome and I instantly felt like a member of the team. I feel that I have been very lucky to find a job in a department and company which I really enjoy working in.
2. What is your typical day in the office?
Typically, the majority of my time is spent typing and filing away various documents for Chloe Sullivan, a Medical Negligence Solicitor. I am also responsible for making sure that we are up to date on all the files we have currently open. Generally, I make the request for medical records to help us progress each Client’s claim and then scan them all onto the computer and file them away when they come in, ready to send off to the Medical Experts. I also regularly take calls for new personal injury claims, subsequently sending Clients out the questionnaires to fill in ready for Amanda Smith, a Personal Injury Lawyer. I also prepare the majority of new files we receive and set up all of the startup paperwork as quickly as possible to allow us to start work for the Client and investigate the claim.
3. Why did you want to become an Apprentice?
Becoming an apprentice is just a small steppingstone into what will hopefully be a long-lasting career for me. It is a chance to get to know the job whilst still completing your education and having the chance to earn money while you do it. It is something that has always appealed to me as I have always been fairly independent. I wanted to jump straight into a job rather than go to University, so an apprenticeship seemed like the natural way forward for me.
4. Why did you choose to work and study part time?
I have always been a practical based learner so being able to do the job whilst studying has been really helpful for me. Through my apprenticeship I have been able to pick up valuable skills and assets which have helped me with my course work and vice versa.
5. What would you say to anyone aspiring to do an Apprenticeship?
If there is a specific sector or industry that you’re interested working in, but you do not know the best way to get started, I would definitely suggest looking into an apprenticeship. It is an ideal way to start off your professional career whilst gaining the relevant qualifications that you need to work your way up. An apprenticeship allows you to benefit from the continued support from both your colleagues and college tutor and helps you to become the best you can be in your job role.
6. What would be a good day in the office for you?
I like to think that I am naturally very organised, so a good day in the office for me would be to get on top of everything that I have set out to do. This may include typing dictation and filing away the various documents to go on the individual files. I think it is very satisfying to clear my desk of all the (often large!) bundles of medical records and put them away on the shelf ready for the next set that comes in.
7. What is your favorite part of your job?
I find clinical negligence and personal injury very interesting, so I think that the work I do for Chloe Sullivan and Amanda Smith is all in all, my favourite part of my job. I especially enjoy getting to know and working with the files and Clients from start to finish, from the moment we take their case on, right through to settling it for them. Another of my favourite parts of the job is the general day to day typing which doesn’t sound that interesting – but really is!
8. Where do you hope to take your career at Hodgkinsons next?
I hope to start the Level 3 course in the new year where I will learn a set of new skills and continue to expand on my knowledge in business administration. The next step up the career ladder is to hopefully become a Legal Secretary.
Jemma has worked extremely hard in order to successfully complete her NVQ Level 2 Business Administration qualification to an excellent standard, completing all units required whilst meeting any deadlines which were set. Throughout her course, Jemma always remained extremely focused, completing her qualification whilst working full time, often spending much of her personal time studying.
Marie Leary, Assistant Director and HR Manager commented: “Jemma has been a joy to work with and we are happy to support her further in progressing to Level 3 in Business Admin. She is an excellent apprentice, who is always willing to take on any tasks asked of her in order to assist the Company. We are looking forward to working with Jemma as she continues to develop her skills further”.
Following completion of her apprenticeship, Jemma has accepted a permanent role as a Trainee Legal Secretary within the Medical Negligence and Personal Injury Teams.
Our Medical Negligence and Personal Injury Solicitors are experts in handling a variety of claims for victims nationwide. Whether you are located in the East Midlands, rural Lincolnshire or the surrounding areas of Skegness to include Boston, Louth, Grimsby and Lincoln, Hodgkinsons Solicitors can help you with your claim for compensation. If you require assistance regarding a potential compensation claim for either medical negligence or a personal injury, Jemma is always willing to assist Clients and answer any questions or concerns. To arrange a mutually convenient date and time to discuss your potential claim, call Hodgkinsons on 01754 897150 and ask for Jemma, or simply submit an online contact form and a member of the team will contact you.