Q&A · Life as a Trainee/Apprentice

I'm about to start my first paralegal role working in-house. What can I do in the first month to stand out?

Answered in Weekly Newsletter #20 · 20 September 2026

Congratulations and welcome to in-house life! Here’s a few ideas on what you could do in your first few weeks…

🎯 Get curious about the business
In-house teams exist to support a business, not just to advise on legal points in isolation. Read internal documents to understand a little about how the company operates and what terminology they like to use (e.g. do they refer to their customers as customers, clients, or something else entirely)? If you’re working in a new sector, start building your commercial awareness about the opportunities and risks and your awareness of where the company fits in the bigger picture. Ask questions even if they feel basic (we were all in your shoes once)!

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