As part of her Diploma in Professional Legal Practice at the University of Strathclyde, Ava Ferguson recently completed a Work-Based Learning placement at Jackson Boyd alongside her role as a paralegal. She currently assists with personal injury and medical negligence matters.
In this blog, she explains how the placement provided an opportunity to further develop her skills in preparation for her upcoming traineeship with the firm.
Ava’s Experience Developing her Role in Work-Based Learning
“Alongside my usual responsibilities as a paralegal, the Work‑Based Learning placement with Jackon Boyd allowed me to take on work beyond my standard role, including drafting substantive documents such as writs and claim forms, assisting with valuations and letters of intimation, and preparing case materials at a more advanced stage of litigation. I was also able to gain experience in road traffic accident cases, an area of practice I had not previously been involved in. Participating in a moot provided a further opportunity to apply these skills in a practical setting, allowing me to present procedural arguments in a simulated court environment. This reinforced the importance of preparation, clear communication and a sound understanding of court procedure in practice.
Preparing for Traineeship and Looking Ahead
A key benefit of the Work‑Based Learning placement was the opportunity to build on my existing experience in a practical setting and gain greater insight into the role of a trainee solicitor. Working closely with solicitors and receiving regular feedback helped me refine my approach and develop key skills such as communication, adaptability and managing competing priorities.
The placement also encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone and take on new challenges, which proved greatly beneficial in supporting my development. I look forward to building on the skills and experience gained as I take the next step in my legal career.
I would like to thank Jackson Boyd for facilitating my Work‑Based Learning placement and my team for their ongoing support and guidance. I would also like to extend special thanks to Dave Berry and Jennifer Rowlinson for providing me with valuable opportunities to develop during the placement.”
Working closely with solicitors and receiving regular feedback helped me refine my approach and develop key skills such as communication, adaptability and managing competing priorities.
