A leading Bristol law firm has recruited a paralegal to its private client team, after being impressed during a summer work experience placement.
Dona Rexha joined Clarke Willmott following the firm’s 2024 Summer Vacation Scheme.
Dona spent five paid days with Clarke Willmott and had the opportunity to access real work and clients as well as attending networking events and development sessions. Both personal and professional skills were developed and the week ended with a mock assessment centre.
Dona said: “I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the 2024 Clarke Willmott Summer Vacation Scheme at their beautiful new Bristol office. I worked with the Property Litigation department, and I could not be more grateful for everything I learnt about the legal profession.
“The one-week placement was an invaluable experience that allowed me to delve into a variety of fascinating tasks, from researching diverse topics, drafting letters and emails to reviewing leases, documents, and title plans. I even had the chance to sit in on client meetings, gaining valuable insights into the wide range of cases they handle.
“Since taking part in the Vacation Scheme, I have now joined as a paralegal in the private client team. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to join such a talented team at a leading law firm. It’s been an exciting start, with plenty to learn, and I’m eager to grow professionally in this dynamic environment. Everyone in the firm, especially my team, instantly made me feel so at ease and welcome and I am very grateful for that.”
The scheme has made huge steps forward since returning in 2023 after a pause with a 308% increase in applications and over 65 interviews held.
With a focus on inclusivity and accessibility, an anonymised shortlisting process and inclusive recruitment practices were used as part of the firm’s ED&I commitments.
Laura Robbetts
Laura Robbetts, partner in the Bristol office, said: “Dona thoroughly impressed us during her placement on our vacation scheme. Her legal knowledge as well as her can-do attitude and enthusiasm for learning make her a great fit for our team and we’re pleased to have her on-board.
“Schemes like this are incredibly important to give young talent the chance to work within real environments and undertake real legal work. The Clarke Willmott Summer Vacation Scheme is fantastic and I’m pleased to be a part of it.”
Dona’s is not the only job offer to be given following a placement on the work experience scheme. Nida Ahmad has recently joined Clarke Willmott’s Birmingham office as a paralegal in the corporate team. She said:
"The Vacation Scheme at Clarke Willmott was a crucial opportunity for me to gain insight into the typical tasks of a paralegal in the Corporate Department. I thoroughly enjoyed the work I was assigned, while also being highly engaged with the practical aspects of the role, such as team communication and maintaining client relationships.
“Most importantly, the welcoming and supportive office environment played a key role in my decision to join as a permanent paralegal. Everyone I interacted with was eager to offer advice and was genuinely friendly, making it a place I can see myself building a long-term career."
Clarke Willmott’s 2025 Summer Vacation Scheme is taking place from 7-11 July. Open to anyone over 18, successful applicants will gain paid-for experience in a specialist legal team with placements available in the Bristol, Birmingham, Cardiff, Manchester, Southampton and Taunton offices.
Applications are open and close on the 5th April 2025: Clarke Willmott Summer Vacation Scheme
Clarke Willmott is a national law firm with offices in Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, London, Manchester, Southampton and Taunton and is this year celebrating its 135th anniversary.
