At Jones Whyte, we’re committed to supporting our team members’ growth through continuous training and development. Lucy McShane, an Administrative Support Assistant in our Private Client department, recently spoke with us about her role and the vital support she provides to both clients and colleagues.
In our conversation, Lucy reflects on her apprenticeship journey, the experiences that have shaped her career so far, and the key lessons she’s learned along the way. She also shares insights into her ongoing professional development, including her work as a QA ambassador.
1. What motivated you to join Jones Whyte?
My motivation to join Jones Whyte stemmed during my fifth year of high school. At the time, I was exploring the possibility of attending university, particularly with an interest in studying the arts. However, after visiting several campuses and reviewing course structures, I came to the realisation that university was not the right path for me. I discovered that I was more inclined towards practical, hands-on learning. Recognising that I had no prior work experience, I was determined to find a role in a field that genuinely interested me. I believed this would help me stay motivated and persistent, even when faced with challenges. That mindset led me to pursue a career in the legal sector, where I could continuously learn and develop on the job. Now, nearly a year into my role at Jones Whyte, I can confidently say that decision has been a rewarding one.
2. How did you feel entering the legal field without prior experience, and what were your initial impressions?
Initially, I found it challenging to adjust to working in a legal environment, particularly as I had no prior experience in the field. During the first few months, I made several mistakes, which, while difficult at the time, became important learning opportunities. Thanks to the patience, guidance, and consistent support from my team, I was able to gradually build my understanding, learning something new each day that strengthened my overall knowledge. As my confidence grew, I became more comfortable taking on additional responsibilities and exploring more complex aspects of my role. Starting with no prior experience taught me the importance of persistence and resilience. I had to make frequent amendments and adjustments across various areas, not only to develop my technical skills but also to learn how to conduct myself in a professional working environment. While this was initially daunting, over time these tasks became more manageable and eventually part of my regular routine.
3. What does a typical day look like for you in your current role?
I work within the Private Client department at Jones Whyte as an Administrative Support Assistant, where I provide support to four different fee earners. My role involves a wide range of responsibilities, including drafting legal documents, and correspondence based on instructions, as well as completing call with external providers such as utility companies and bond providers. I also contact clients on behalf of the fee earners I support. In addition to my core responsibilities, our team is currently expanding its knowledge in trust management and estate planning administration. As part of this, I assist with tasks such as registering Powers of Attorney and Wills, and helping with Amquis ID uploads and downloads across all sub-departments within Private Client. Furthermore, I independently manage all Will Search requests for the department. This involves checking whether we hold Wills in storage on behalf of other firms and ensuring timely and accurate communication of our findings to the requesting party.
4. Can you describe your experience when you first started at Jones Whyte? Were there any challenges you had to overcome?
Upon joining the firm, I immediately felt welcomed, which had a significant positive impact on my learning and development. Feeling comfortable in my new environment made it easier to seek guidance and request additional training whenever necessary. During my initial first month, I received training from every member of my team, which proved to be highly beneficial. It not only exposed me to a variety of approaches for completing tasks but also allowed me to quickly get to know my colleagues. The collaborative nature of the administrative team at Jones Whyte stood out to me from the beginning. There is a strong sense of teamwork, with colleagues always willing to support one another. This supportive environment greatly contributed to my confidence and ability to integrate into the team.
5. How has Jones Whyte supported your development as a newcomer to the legal world?
Jones Whyte has played a pivotal role in supporting my development as a newcomer to the legal profession. I was warmly welcomed by the firm, with my role clearly outlined and the team’s goals and aspirations clearly communicated. From the beginning, I was encouraged to ask for help or request training whenever I needed it, creating an environment where learning and growth are actively supported.
Within my first week, I gained hands-on experience with real client work, which has helped me build confidence in my role.
Overall, I’d say the most valuable advice I received came on my first day stating to not be scared to ask for help and that everyone is happy help whenever I need it. That message really stuck with me. The willingness of my team to offer guidance, feedback, and support has been allowed me to develop a practical understanding of legal procedures. The firm’s strong emphasis on continuous development made a significant impact on the early stages of my legal career.
6. Could you tell us about your role as a QA ambassador and what inspired you to take on this responsibility?
As a QA Ambassador, my role involves promoting apprenticeships to individuals who, like me, realised that university might not be the best path for them and felt rather lost on what path to take after finishing school. I have the opportunity to attend events that showcase potential roles and opportunities for those considering an apprenticeship like mine.
I also act as a point of contact for QA-related queries, helping to foster a deeper understanding that not all apprenticeship looks the same, and picking the right one for you is critical to staying persistent and motivated to learn.
What inspired me to take on this responsibility was my desire to support others who were in the same position I once was. Having learned a great deal through my own experience and training, I wanted to use that knowledge to help others.
7. You’ve chosen to take on extra QA units. What motivated you to pursue these additional units?
Taking on additional QA units was a decision I made due to the fact I wanted to learn and grow a deeper understanding of my job role completely. I saw it as an opportunity to deepen my understanding of our quality standards and to broaden my knowledge across different areas of the firm.
By engaging with a wider range of QA processes, I’ve been able to refine my attention to detail and strengthen my overall skills. Taking on additional units has allowed me to play a more active role in maintaining high standard of work within my role and deepening my understanding of each instruction I carry out.
8. How do you balance your regular responsibilities with your additional study units?
I have found balancing my regular responsibilities with additional study units rather simple as I have one afternoon each week in which I solely focus on completing my apprenticeship, further to this whenever I have needed I have been able to request additional time in order to complete my apprenticeship which has always been granted allowing me additional time to complete my apprenticeship to the best of my ability. Furthermore, I prioritise my daily tasks by setting clear goals and take full advantage of my dairy, which helps me stay on top of my responsibilities while creating space to focus on my studies. I make effective use of quieter periods in the day to dedicate time to learning, and I ensure that my workload is managed in a way that doesn’t compromise the quality of my work. Overall, I view the additional study units as developing a deeper understanding of my role, which ultimately helps me perform more effectively in my day-to-day work.
9. With the completion of your QA units expected by the end of August, what are your goals moving forward?
With the completion of my QA units, my goal is to apply the knowledge and skills I’ve gained to further enhance the quality and efficiency of my work, as well as to continue contributing positively to my team such as by lending a helping hand to members of my team where and when possible. I am also focused on continuing my professional development more broadly. I’m keen to explore further training opportunities within the firm, particularly in areas that align with my role and long-term career aspirations.
10. What has been your proudest achievement since joining Jones Whyte?
My proudest achievement since joining Jones Whyte has been the progress I’ve made in both my personal and professional development, particularly given that I entered the legal field with no prior experience. Over time, I’ve built a strong foundation of knowledge, grown in confidence, and taken on increasing responsibility within my role. Additionally, being selected as a QA Ambassador and successfully working through additional QA units has been a significant milestone for me. These achievements have not only boosted my confidence but have also reaffirmed my motivation to continue learning.
Lucy McShane’s journey shows how determination and the right support can shape a successful career path.
Through hands-on learning and the support of her team, she has developed valuable skills and made meaningful progress in her career. Lucy serves as a great example for anyone considering a career in law and exploring the apprenticeship route.
Her experience at Jones Whyte highlights the value of real-world exposure and practical training. If you’re interested in starting your legal career through an apprenticeship, visit our careers page to learn more.
Please note: This article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional legal advice tailored to your specific circumstances. If you need advice on a legal matter, get in touch with our team.
