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The qualification of an experienced paralegal as a fully-fledged solicitor is unlocking opportunities for her team to grow and broaden its knowledge base.
Rhiannon Hastings has qualified as a solicitor after spending four years as a paralegal working in the commercial team at Muckle LLP.
Having gained plenty of on-the-job experience, Rhiannon did not struggle with the transition to qualified solicitor status. Working largely in the burgeoning field of data protection, Rhiannon’s promotion opens more growth opportunities for the team.
The firm already has considerable expertise and a proven track record in this area and offers regular data protection training sessions to companies. However, Rhiannon’s promotion enables further team growth.
Commenting on her new role, Rhiannon said, ‘As a paralegal, I was giving advice and doing some of the work already, which helped prepare me for qualification.
“But in my new role, whilst continuing to provide clients with data protection support, I will be developing my knowledge on freedom of information, cyber security and AI matters.
“In such a dynamic area of law where demand for our data protection support is increasing every day, this can only be a good thing. By developing and growing the team, we will ultimately benefit clients who will be able to access advice in this increasingly complex and demanding area of law.”
Rhiannon remains convinced that she could not have achieved her new status without the support, advice and encouragement of her colleagues at Muckle.
She said: “My route to qualification was not a conventional one, but my colleagues have been behind me all the way. Muckle has always been a firm that puts people first. I have experienced this first-hand and I firmly believe that our clients feel it every time they work with us.
“One of my favourite aspects of the work I do has been delivering training sessions. The chance to build a real rapport with clients, to work closely with them and solve their individual challenges is hugely rewarding.
“With the legal changes in data protection law, and guidance around data protection developing, it can be challenging for companies to navigate. The consequences of companies getting it wrong can be significant. Through our training sessions and other day-to-day work, we can give companies the skills and knowledge they need to competently handle personal data and remain compliant. We are adding real value.”
Alex Craig, Partner and head of commercial at Muckle, has led Rhiannon’s team and helped her take the steps to progress from paralegal to solicitor.
She said: “Rhiannon has long been a huge asset to our team, and this qualification is a testament to the hard work she’s put in. As she rises in seniority, she will be able to pass on her knowledge and experience to more junior members, thereby strengthening the team as a whole.”
The team is already expanding, taking on increasing volumes of work in the cyber security and AI fields, and with new legislation set to come out later in the year, they will be well placed to provide support to the many businesses and organisations who need legal advice on these areas.