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Published: 13th December 2024
Starting a new role can be both exciting and challenging but, for Sarah Beale, her first year as a paralegal at K J Smith Solicitors has been nothing short of transformative.
Joining the Basingstoke office at the start of 2024, Sarah has embraced the opportunities, challenges and rewards that come with working in Family Law. Reflecting on her journey so far, she shares her highlights, aspirations for the future and what makes KJS a standout place to work.
Sarah’s career path is anything but ordinary. She originally studied Anthropology at the University of Sussex, a discipline that examines human behaviour and culture.
“Anthropology taught me to look at people without preconceptions,” Sarah explains. “It made me more aware of unconscious biases, which is invaluable when working with clients from all walks of life. Everyone’s situation is unique, and it’s our job to adapt to their needs.”
It was during the Covid-19 pandemic that Sarah decided to train in law, driven by a desire for a meaningful and rewarding career. “I wanted to help people,” Sarah says, “and Family Law felt like the natural place for me to do that – we support our clients through some of the most difficult times in their lives.”
Sarah completed her Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) and Legal Practice Course (LPC) – achieving a distinction along the way. After a year and a half working at another law firm, she joined K J Smith Solicitors.
Sarah praises the firm’s reputation for fostering development: “KJS is known for its excellent solicitors, and I knew it would be a place where I could grow while contributing to the work of the team.”
The role of a paralegal is as varied as it is meaningful. Sarah assists the KJS team with a broad range of tasks, which often involves managing several cases, from financial matters to child arrangements.
For Sarah, staying organised is the key to managing her time effectively. She’s also learned to expect the unexpected: “Every case has its quirks. There’s frequently something unusual that requires additional research, which always makes the work very interesting.”
Sarah recalls a standout accomplishment during her first year, assisting a client in obtaining an urgent non-molestation order. “Helping the client and her family feel safe was incredibly rewarding and moments like these remind me why I was right to choose family law.”
Sarah’s role involves working with clients who are often feeling daunted about the challenges of resolving conflict. Sarah explains, “Family Law isn’t just about legal processes, it’s about people. Clients come to us emotionally vulnerable and sometimes distressed. Our job is to guide them, provide reassurance, and help them see a way forward.”
Sarah relished a recent opportunity to accompany a client to court. “I like being there for them and supporting them in what could feel quite an alien environment. Even when I am not attending court, I sometimes go with them on the journey there, just to give some extra reassurance.”
One aspect of Family Law that Sarah likes to highlight is Mediation. “Where appropriate, we always try to recommend Mediation. It’s less adversarial than going to court, and often leads to better outcomes for families.”
Sarah also emphasises the importance of education in easing the legal journey for a client. “The best piece of advice we can give clients is to be informed. Understanding the process makes it so much less daunting. There’s a lot of misinformation out there, or people look on Google and don’t realise they are reading something that’s not applicable in England and Wales, so it’s crucial to get advice from qualified professionals. That’s why KJS’s free initial consultations are so valuable.”
Reflecting on her time at KJS, Sarah particularly appreciates the supportive and collaborative company culture she’s discovered here.
“Friendly, supportive and fun” are the three words she uses to describe it, emphasising how working alongside experienced solicitors has helped her develop her own legal skills.
KJS Solicitors’ commitment to professional growth and staff well-being is reflected in our Platinum accreditation from Investors in People (IIP), an accolade achieved by only 1% of IIP-accredited organisations. This recognition highlights our dedication to fostering a positive and engaging workplace culture, something Sarah is enjoying first-hand.
“The team atmosphere here makes such a difference. Knowing that your colleagues have your back and that the firm is invested in your development is incredibly motivating.”
It’s not all work and no play. When Sarah’s not at work, she embraces her creative side through crafts like crochet and knitting. She’s also a fan of live music, particularly heavy metal concerts, and is looking forward to seeing the bands Slipknot and Iron Maiden at a festival next year. As for sports, Sarah is a loyal supporter of Norwich City Football Club.
Balancing her professional and personal passions, she describes herself as a dedicated “people person”. She thrives both inside and outside of work.
Asked to name her dream dinner party guests, Sarah says she would invite Jimi Hendrix for his legendary guitar skills, the author Terry Pratchett for his storytelling, Marie Curie for her pioneering work, and Danny DeVito for his humour.
The supportive environment at KJS has played a significant role in Sarah’s professional development.
She credits much of her learning to the collaborative culture within the firm, particularly the guidance of Jennifer Murray, head of the Family Team.
“Being surrounded by such experienced and knowledgeable solicitors has been invaluable,” Sarah notes. “I’ve absorbed so much just by observing how they work and approach the different cases. One of the other great aspects of KJS is its flexibility. With multiple offices across the region, I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside colleagues in the Winchester and Woodley offices too, further broadening my experience.”
Asked what’s special about KJS, Sarah says, “KJS stands out because we specialise in Family Law, rather than it just being one arm of a multi-practice law firm. There’s always someone in the business who is an expert in a particular area, whether it’s International Family Law or Alternative Dispute Resolution. This means we can provide the most appropriate service to our clients.”
As Sarah looks to the future, she is excited about continuing to grow in her role and expanding her legal knowledge. “My first year has been intense but incredibly rewarding,” she says. “I’m proud of what I’ve achieved so far, and I’m looking forward to seeing where the next year takes me!”
Sarah’s ultimate goal is to qualify as a solicitor and she plans to follow the CILEX route, a pathway that allows paralegals to train as solicitors while continuing to work. “Being a paralegal has given me a solid foundation,” she says. “It’s taught me to stay organised, manage competing priorities, and deal with clients who are often in a very vulnerable position.”
Sarah is still keen to emphasise that being a paralegal is a fulfilling career in its own right. She adds, “It’s a fantastic role that allows you to make a real difference to clients while building your own skills and knowledge.”
“I feel like my knowledge has grown exponentially this year. Every case, every challenge and every discussion with my colleagues has added to my understanding. When I look back to where I was a year ago, I can’t believe how much I’ve learned and how much I have gained in confidence.”
What would be her advice to others starting out on their legal careers? “Listen to the solicitors around you. It’s amazing how much you can learn just by paying attention.”
All of the KJS Team are incredibly proud of Sarah’s hard work and achievements. Her reflections highlight her dedication to our clients, alongside her own professional growth. From securing urgent court orders to supporting solicitors and helping to manage costs, she exemplifies the values that make us a trusted name in family law. At K J Smith, we don’t just work with people; we invest in people, offering support, guidance, and career development across all roles. If you’re interested in joining a team where your future matters, visit our Join Us page today.
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