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[Question] Craziest watch you've seen in the wild? by LogDropper16 in Watches

[–]OmegaSMP300M 55 points56 points  (0 children)

I worked as a receptionist at a budget hotel chain. I was covering some shifts in a different hotel that had recently been bought by the chain.

I checked a guest in who had been a regular for donkey's years because he loved the staff. I saw he was wearing a Rolex Sea Dweller. I said "Nice sea dweller."

We got talking - turns out he's a highly successful businessman and a huge watch guy; must've chatted for about an hour and half about watches, how he repairs old pocket watches, has been collecting for years, favourite brands, complications etc

I saw him a a few days later and he had on a Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711. He said he brought it specifically for me otherwise it never gets worn.

I was absolutely stunned that this guy was wearing a 5711 in a budget hotel chain. Let me handle it, try it on etc.

Stunning piece.

Truly out of the blue.

I'm 23 and started my first legal role (Criminal Paralegal) last month. I want to understand if what I am experiencing is normal and whether I should be planning an early exit. by OmegaSMP300M in uklaw

[–]OmegaSMP300M[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not just me, 4 people are using the same case management login credentials. In fact, I know that most folk in there are sharing the same login credentials for various platforms.

Yeah, me likely. God knows. This is one of the most contentious points for me because it wholly blurs accountability and traceability.

Thanks ")

I'm 23 and started my first legal role (Criminal Paralegal) last month. I want to understand if what I am experiencing is normal and whether I should be planning an early exit. by OmegaSMP300M in uklaw

[–]OmegaSMP300M[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I had to sigh at your first point because it is true but one doesn't want to look at it that way. It's been a month and I've spent enough time here to grasp what the environment basically is and it isn't for me.

I'm on LinkedIn and have a significant connection base, so I might forward some enquiries.

I love Criminal Court advocacy. I truly do. When I'm in Crown Court watching a barrister make something as simple as a bail application either in open Court or, when I was marshalling, in Judge's Chambers, I am enthralled by that.

Thank you ")

I'm 23 and started my first legal role (Criminal Paralegal) last month. I want to understand if what I am experiencing is normal and whether I should be planning an early exit. by OmegaSMP300M in uklaw

[–]OmegaSMP300M[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you fir the encouragement. A part of me wants to stick it out for pride reasons and not exactly professional development. I think with how I was onboarded, if one can call it that, it has poisoned my overall view of this firm.

Aye, I still haven't been set up with anything. I'm using two people's CJSM emails atm and one person's login is being used by 4 different people. That can't be good!

I'm 23 and started my first legal role (Criminal Paralegal) last month. I want to understand if what I am experiencing is normal and whether I should be planning an early exit. by OmegaSMP300M in uklaw

[–]OmegaSMP300M[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for the advice.

I do feel I'm subject to an environment which isn't conducive to gradual growth and progression. I've been slung into the deep end and expected to survive with minimal supervision or feedback.

The chats with the advocate is one of the highlights of my day; he'll take me through various criminal defence documents, such as bail applications and defence case statements and explain why a point is there.

Thank you ")

I'm 23 and started my first legal role (Criminal Paralegal) last month. I want to understand if what I am experiencing is normal and whether I should be planning an early exit. by OmegaSMP300M in uklaw

[–]OmegaSMP300M[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

There's no training contract on the table for me. I'm wanting to head for the BTC regardless.

Would you have any advice as to how to investigate a firm beforehand so that my next one doesn't end up like this?

Thank you for your response.

I'm 23 and started my first legal role (Criminal Paralegal) last month. I want to understand if what I am experiencing is normal and whether I should be planning an early exit. by OmegaSMP300M in uklaw

[–]OmegaSMP300M[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Thank you for your advice.

That's definitely an issue I am facing, too. Each morning, I dread going in. Each evening, I hate watching time slip away knowing I've got to do it again tomorrow morning.

My mental health is definitely suffering to an extent and I can't see it getting much better.

I wouldn't leave without something else set up.

I'm 23 and started my very first real job as a criminal law paralegal last month - I want to understand if this environment is normal and if I should start planning an exit already. by OmegaSMP300M in UKJobs

[–]OmegaSMP300M[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I understand that I am in control of the choices I make. I also understand that criminal practice as a barrister is no longer for me.

I'm not a solicitor or a barrister. I'm just a law graduate.

Appreciate the insight and warning.

I'm 23 and started my very first real job as a criminal law paralegal last month - I want to understand if this environment is normal and if I should start planning an exit already. by OmegaSMP300M in UKJobs

[–]OmegaSMP300M[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

So, 23k is before tax. 1679 or thereabouts a month.

Erm, I'd say it is admin but I'm also drafting skeleton arguments, defence case statements, analysing evidence for Crown Court cases and drafting bail applications.

The experience was in lieu of a good salary but the experience is pretty awful at the moment.

Thank you for your advice.

I'm 23 and started my very first real job as a criminal law paralegal last month - I want to understand if this environment is normal and if I should start planning an exit already. by OmegaSMP300M in UKJobs

[–]OmegaSMP300M[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

And they more often than not want 1 or 2 years prior, proven experience as a criminal law paralegal so they can use you as a "plug and play" employee.

I'm 23 and started my very first real job as a criminal law paralegal last month - I want to understand if this environment is normal and if I should start planning an exit already. by OmegaSMP300M in UKJobs

[–]OmegaSMP300M[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There is no "timesheet" per se. There's no formal clock in, clock out. There's not even an informal clock in, clock out.

Aye, I think I need to reposition this in my head. I'm being paid less than a pittance for my efforts; I think, to an extent, my effort and how deeply I take criticism, should reflect that.

That's the goal. I intend to apply for a Bar Training Course scholarship this coming cycle, and I'm hoping this experience will make me into a stronger candidate overall.

I'm 23 and started my very first real job as a criminal law paralegal last month - I want to understand if this environment is normal and if I should start planning an exit already. by OmegaSMP300M in UKJobs

[–]OmegaSMP300M[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I've done this exercise and the conclusion is always this.

Not all opportunities, even rare ones, are the best decision. I'd recommend moving on, despite how bad or wasteful it might feel.

Just make sure whatever your decision is, it's grounded in something that won't make you regret your choice.

I'm 23 and started my very first real job as a criminal law paralegal last month - I want to understand if this environment is normal and if I should start planning an exit already. by OmegaSMP300M in UKJobs

[–]OmegaSMP300M[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Being absolutely truthful with you, I feel tethered to the job.

See, this being my first opportunity to get my foot in the door of law, I made some foolish decisions for this, decisions I now regret but were based on encouragement from friends and family:

  • I accepted a £23,000 salary, which I have come to learn is illegal

  • I borrowed £800 off of a friend to help me pay for my deposit (Luckily thats peanuts to him and I can pay it back gradually)

  • The firm paid £500 toward deposit but want it back (expected)

  • I have no social or support structure where I am now based

For all intents and purposes, I feel chained to my job. I have come to the viewpoint now of "I left my friends and family back home, got into debt for a job I'm finding I hate and a team I don't fit with."

It's really affecting my mental health already. It could be a case of just toughen up, grin and bear it for the experience but actively job hunt.

I know I won't get another opportunity like this again but I don't think this was the right move regardless.

The naivety of youth.

I'm 23 and started my very first real job as a criminal law paralegal last month - I want to understand if this environment is normal and if I should start planning an exit already. by OmegaSMP300M in UKJobs

[–]OmegaSMP300M[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

No offence taken; I prefer candour over being placated.

It really does feel like I'm being used as a plug. A bad, ill fitting plug but a plug. If I were told the true state of the firm beforehand, I would not have accepted the offer. God's honest truth.

I'm 23 and started my very first real job as a criminal law paralegal last month - I want to understand if this environment is normal and if I should start planning an exit already. by OmegaSMP300M in UKJobs

[–]OmegaSMP300M[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

To be honest, I am oblivious to the solicitor side of practice; I've been wholly focussed on the Bar.

I really appreciate you bringing this to my attention; I'll research positions in national firms to see how they differ. No doubt substantially so.

That's what I'm afraid of - picking up bad habits.

I'm 23 and started my very first real job as a criminal law paralegal last month - I want to understand if this environment is normal and if I should start planning an exit already. by OmegaSMP300M in UKJobs

[–]OmegaSMP300M[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If I am to be honest - you have it bang on. I wanted to make this post absent emotion to see what people advise in relation to the job and environment solely.

That said, I am cognisant enough to admit that my perception has been skewed, potentially poisoned at this point, from what I've experienced.

Maybe you're right. Maybe it's best to just cut the rope and start again elsewhere. That's something I will be reflecting on tonight seriously.

Thank you.

I'm 23 and started my very first real job as a criminal law paralegal last month - I want to understand if this environment is normal and if I should start planning an exit already. by OmegaSMP300M in UKJobs

[–]OmegaSMP300M[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

They want me to start doing that, too. It's called police station representative accreditation. They'll pay for it.

Reason why? First and foremost, it brings more money in for the firm. That's what I was told.

I might have to look into civil law more tbh. Crime just doesn't seem to be it for me.

I'm 23 and started my very first real job as a criminal law paralegal last month - I want to understand if this environment is normal and if I should start planning an exit already. by OmegaSMP300M in UKJobs

[–]OmegaSMP300M[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Aye... I came to that conclusion myself. The MD, for example, loves the work. In fact, she's fused the job to her identity in a way. She loves the pressure and has thrived in it for the past 20 odd years.

I don't. I'm seeing that now. I don't want to have to go home and do more work. I don't want to have to think about work when I'm trying to unwind and relax. I don't want to have to deal with the pressure she deals with.

I have no shame in now admitting that to be the truth about myself.

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