Ellie McBride
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work history
Paralegal Apprentice
Norton Rose Fulbright
Newcastle upon Tyne
09.2025 - Current
- Developed strong written and verbal communication skills, through speaking with colleagues both online and in person.
- Became familiar and proficient with using Pdf.docs, iManage, Microsoft, Reveal, DocuSign, Litera and Epoch for time recording.
- Developed my attention to detail whilst working on many matters across different areas of law, such as disputes, assets (aviation finance), corporate, and pro bono. Working on tasks such as Doc reviews, drafting and reviewing CP checklists, merging documents for signature packs and more.
- Became familiar with certain work streams such as DocuSign. Helping to assist on signings of documents often.
- Perfected my time management and became familiar with how to best utilise my time, and prioritise the matters I am working on.
- Also developed my independence skills, as I moved to Newcastle for this role. I learnt how to juggle starting life in the corporate world, with also starting university, whilst moving to a new city and living by myself. This was helped by the other jobs I had had previously in other countries.
Au pair - France
Butterfly agency / Covili family
Megève, France
12.2024 - 03.2026
• Developing effective communication skills and developing my ability to communicate in the French language.
• Using my problem-solving and adaptability skills to ensure the children I was looking after were happy and safe, whilst also keeping to their parent's wishes.
• Developed my time management and organisational skills, and perfecting my ability to multi-task.
• Massively developing my empathy and emotional intelligence, which has helped me to understand how to read different types of people.
Finance and Admin Assistant
North London Homecare and Support
London
09.2023 - 08.2025
- Increased efficiency by handling correspondence and organising files.
- Acted as main contact for staff and clients, in-person and over the phone, developing my communication skills.
- Maintained orderly files with updated, easily accessible information for staff.
- Assisted with weekly and monthly pay being calculated and processed. Developing my ability with using excel.
Seasonal winter worker
Lapland Safaris
Olos, Finland
11.2023 - 01.2024
• Customer Service Skills - Providing an excellent service for guests
• Energy and Creativity - Being engaging and friendly
• Adaptability - Flexibility to adjust to changes
• Teamwork - Working with a team of a range of different people
• Patience - Ability to remain calm and patient
• Empathy - Understanding and responding to the emotional needs
Distribution assistant
Rollins and Sons
Hertfordshire
06.2023 - 08.2023
• Attention to detail
• Organisational skills
• Successfully delivered on tasks within tight deadlines.
Education
GCSE's -
PRESDALES SCHOOL
Hertfordshire 09/2019 - 06/2021
A-levels -
PRESDALES SCHOOL
Hertfordshire 09/2021 - 06/2023
Skills
- Charismatic and Friendly
- Verbal and written communication skills
- Organised with excellent time management
- Attention to Detail
- Adaptability
- Motivated and hard-working
- Patience and empathy
- Experience as a paralegal apprentice
Accomplishments
Exploring Law: Studying Law – Summer Course, University of Cambridge
I set my commitments to a 6-week summer course titled Exploring Law: Studying Law at the University of Cambridge, which provided an in- depth introduction to foundational legal concepts, legal reasoning, and case analysis. This program helped to develop my understanding of key areas in law, and strengthened my analytical skills, and introduced me to legal research methods. Engaging in discussions also further enhanced my insight into the study of law and confirmed my commitment to pursuing a legal career.
Winner, School Bar Mock Trial Competition
I led my team to success in a competitive mock trial, showcasing strong analytical, teamwork, and communication skills. This experience required preparing and presenting structured arguments, questioning witnesses effectively, and delivering persuasive presentations in a high-pressure environment. It enhanced my ability to think critically, work collaboratively, and articulate ideas clearly.
Work Experience – Mentored by a Family Law Solicitor
I gained hands-on insight into family law through being mentored by a family law solicitor, observing casework and client consultations. This experience enhanced my understanding of the legal issues surrounding family dynamics, such as divorce, custody, and financial settlements, and gave me valuable exposure to the interpersonal skills required to support clients during emotionally challenging situations. I observed the solicitor's approach to client advocacy, deepening my knowledge of the practical application of family law.
Networking events - City century and Young professionals event, the 93% Club Social Mobility Event, and spoken as part of an apprentice panel for the RISE programme.
I have attended events such as the above, and spent time learning and networking with others. Getting to hear from panelists such as Richard Osman and Simmy Dhillion. Also getting to speak to the CEO of the 93% Club, Sophie Pender, about the importance of equal opportunity and supporting social mobility. I also took part on a stand where students could ask me questions about apprenticeships and my experience, whilst at a city century event. I have also spent time developing my LinkedIn profile and gaining connections with industry and non-industry professionals, to have more commercial awareness.
Insight Programs - Browne Jacobson, Clifford Chance, Charles Russell Speechlys
I participated in insightful work experience programs, where I engaged in interactive Q&A sessions with legal professionals from diverse backgrounds and specialisms. This opportunity allowed me to deepen my understanding of various career paths in law, professional challenges, and best practices for personal well-being in the legal field. I had the privilege of hearing from Lubna Shuja, former president of the Law Society, who shared valuable perspectives on leadership in law, as well as Anna Manning, a former lawyer and well-being advocate, who provided strategies for maintaining mental health and energy in a demanding legal career. This experience broadened my appreciation for the legal profession's diversity and reinforced the importance of resilience and balance in a successful career.
Attended Legal Proceedings at the Old Bailey (Public Gallery)
This helped me gain practical exposure to criminal law by observing live courtroom proceedings at the Old Bailey. I found this really helped me to understand how solicitors, barristers and judges talk, conduct and present themselves in an intense case environment. This also was later reinforced when I completed 2 weeks Jury Service at the age of 18.
Course: Inside the UK Supreme Court, Royal Holloway, University of London
Completing this course deepened my understanding of the pivotal role of the UK Supreme Court within the nation's legal system and its historical development. I gained insight into the Court's operations and learned how it differs from the US Supreme Court. We also examined cases involving human rights, public law, criminal law, and social issues. This has enhanced my ability to evaluate legal arguments and appreciate the Court's impact on societal issues.
References
References available upon request.
Affiliations
- Learning languages - French Experiencing culture through travelling Cooking and baking Running and walking Reading
Languages
English
Proficient (C2)
French
Elementary
German
Beginner
Timeline
Paralegal Apprentice
Norton Rose Fulbright
09.2025 - Current
Au pair - France
Butterfly agency / Covili family
12.2024 - 03.2026
Seasonal winter worker
Lapland Safaris
11.2023 - 01.2024
Finance and Admin Assistant
North London Homecare and Support
09.2023 - 08.2025
Distribution assistant
Rollins and Sons
06.2023 - 08.2023
GCSE's -
PRESDALES SCHOOL
09/2019 - 06/2021
A-levels -
PRESDALES SCHOOL
09/2021 - 06/2023