Louise Firth is a Legal Assistant in our Care Team, based at the Bradford office. Since joining the firm in September 2023, she has developed a strong foundation in care proceedings and plays an important role in supporting the team across a wide range of sensitive and complex matters.
How long have you worked at JWP?
I joined JWP in September 2023, so it’s coming up to two and a half years now. It’s been my first role since graduating, and it’s been a great place to start my legal career.
What does your role consist of on a daily basis?
My role is quite varied – it’s a bit of everything, really. I’m usually on hand to help with whatever is needed, so no two days are the same.
A large part of my day involves administrative support, keeping files up to date and making sure time recording is accurate. I also manage billing across a range of care matters, including PLO matters, high-cost cases and end of proceedings bills, as well as preparing private invoices from local authorities or clients. That side of the role has given me a good understanding of how cases progress from start to finish.
I assist with drafting documents such as C2 applications and straightforward court orders, including disclosure orders to GP surgeries. I also answer the phones and take new enquiries when needed, so I’m often one of the first points of contact for clients.
More recently, I’ve been sitting in on meetings – particularly in adoption breakdown matters – and taking notes. It’s been a valuable opportunity to see cases develop more closely and continue building my experience.
How did your legal career start?
My legal career started with JWP. After graduating in 2023, I didn’t want to rush straight into further qualifications without first understanding how law is applied in everyday life. I was part of the Covid generation, so much of my degree was completed remotely, and I really wanted hands-on experience before committing to the next step.
Since joining the Care Team, I’ve absolutely loved the nature of care work and can see myself building my career in this area. My next step is to undertake the SQE, and I’m currently looking at how best to approach that.
What is your favourite thing about your job?
One of my favourite things about working at JWP is how supportive everyone is. People are genuinely happy to let you develop your skills and progress in your career. There’s no task anyone shies away from giving you – you’re encouraged to think things through for yourself (with supervision, of course), which really helps build confidence.
And, call me boring, but I do enjoy the organisation of my day-to-day work. I like keeping everything in order and making sure everything that needs to be done gets done. There’s something very satisfying about that.
When not working, what would your ideal weekend consist of?
A good weekend for me is a weekend in with my hobbies. I love reading and tend to get through around 25 books a year. I’ve recently finished The Strength of the Few and have just started The Safekeep.
I also enjoy writing and usually have a couple of projects on the go. More recently, I’ve taken up baking and crochet – I’m still learning, but I’m hoping to eventually make something I’m really proud of.
