CooperBurnett LLP is excited to welcome Paralegal Joshua Hayes to its team. He has joined as part of the new Masters of Law (M-Law) paralegal scheme at Kent Law School, University of Kent, Canterbury, which CooperBurnett is proud to be supporting from its inception.
“The M-Law paralegal scheme is a unique opportunity to start accruing practical experience, whilst undertaking the necessary exams to create a hybrid approach to qualifying as a solicitor,” Joshua explains. “My week currently involves three days of study at the University of Kent, whilst working two days at CooperBurnett. Being a wholly new route to qualification, it was at first quite daunting. However, I would definitely advocate for the M-Law, as it provides an opportunity to blend the traditional vocational training (LPC) with real world, practicable legal experience, making for a more well-rounded lawyer.”
Joshua says he has always had his heart set on becoming a lawyer.
“Being able to affect people’s goals through something as precious as their business instils a great amount of pride and trust in what I am able to do and allows me to help both others in the local community and further afield,” he says.
Joshua is currently based in CooperBurnett’s Corporate and Commercial team and says he’s looking forward to experiencing all the different departments at the firm.
“Naturally, being at the start of my legal career, I am open to experiencing all sides of the law, from the transactional elements found in conveyancing to the faster paced elements found in litigation,” he explains.
Joshua says he was drawn to the opportunity to work at CooperBurnett, because of the ‘ability to establish closeknit relationships with both existing and new clients’.
“This is important, particularly given the long-standing heritage and place in the community which CooperBurnett holds,” he explains. “An additional attraction was the firm’s ability in keeping up to date with the professional landscape, particularly evidenced with CooperBurnett’s appearance in the Legal 500 and the Tunbridge Wells Business Awards. In addition, the environment of the firm was a strong attraction, as I feel it has maintained its corporate shell, whilst still adopting a friendly and approachable manner.”
He continues: “The environment and people at CooperBurnett have been both extremely warm and welcoming. It is so lovely to see an established firm embracing the new route to qualification, whilst not only supporting me in equipping myself with the necessary skills but investing in the up-and-coming generation of lawyers. Furthermore, the opportunity to sit closely and work alongside other experienced fee earners is invaluable as I start my training.
Victoria Sampson, Partner and Head of the Corporate and Commercial says: “Here at CooperBurnett, we are proud to foster a culture of supporting and training the next generation and we are thrilled to be part of this new initiative to enable, empower and encourage students into the profession via the M-Law paralegal scheme. We very much welcome Joshua into our team and look forward to seeing him grow and develop as he pursues his goal of becoming a lawyer.”
When he’s not working or studying, Joshua enjoys playing tennis competitively, both as an individual and for the University of Kent.