Apprenticeship Week Wales 2024 - Meet our Future Solicitor

To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week Wales 2024, we asked our future legal expert, Carolina Galanti, about her time as an apprentice with us at JCP Solicitors.

Carolina is an 18-year-old apprentice within our Court of Protection team. Born in Italy, Carolina then lived in Brazil, before moving to the UK in 2015 - without speaking any English. Fast forward to today, Carolina speaks fluent English, Portuguese, and Italian.

Carolina’s journey at JCP began in September 2023 when she joined our Legal Apprenticeship Scheme, which enables students to qualify as an Advanced Paralegal with CILEX and join the new pathway to become a Solicitor. As part of her apprenticeship, Carolina is studying the Level 3 Paralegal qualification with Trinity Saint David University of Wales, alongside working full-time at JCP as an Administration Assistant. In 5 years, Carolina is hoping to have finished her course and sit her SQEs, to fulfil her dream of becoming a Solicitor.

What do you enjoy the most about your apprenticeship?

“I enjoy caring for each client. I especially enjoy helping those who lack the mental capacity to manage their affairs to live their life to the fullest, by providing them with the help and support they need. I also enjoy seeing our Legal Teams in action and doing what they do best. It really inspires me to keep working hard, so that one day I can be like them.”

Why did you choose work-based learning?

“I thought work-based learning would give me a solid grip on how things work in the law industry. Learning on the job seemed like the way to go - it gives me the chance to soak up how the industry works, earn money and get to know experienced Solicitors in the field all at the same time. It’s also helpful to have so many experienced people around me every day. I know that if I'm struggling, I’m not alone. Not only will I be learning, but JCP will also be learning about me. It will give them an idea of how I work, and my dedication to becoming a lawyer.”

What advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship?

“I would highly recommend it. These days, having hands-on experience is so important. Look at what I’m doing for example — I'll spend five years at JCP, gaining both a degree and experience. I think it is a smart and efficient way to become a Solicitor. I must admit though, it can be tough to juggle everything sometimes, but the good outweighs the bad. If you have a passion for something, take every opportunity you can and go for it.”

If you’d like to know more about how you can earn while you learn with the #TeamJCP Academy, contact recruitment@jcpsolicitors.co.uk.