A NEW BABY & A NEW QUALIFICATION FOR KARA

Property Paralegal Kara Nicholls return to work this month following her maternity leave during which time she not only welcomed baby Phoebe into the world, she also completed her Cilex Level 6 qualification!

When did baby Phoebe arrive?

Phoebe was born (after two days of labour) in September 2022 at Glan Clwyd Hospital weighing in at 7lb 2oz.

So what has life as a new mum been like?

Crazy, eye-opening and wonderful –everyday is different and everyday is a learning day. I had been preparing for several months and had gone through the nesting phase, then all of a sudden you have this little person in your life who you are totally responsible for! At times it has been confusing and exhausting (I now know that sleep deprivation is a real thing), but it is without doubt the most rewarding experience of my life.

Watching Phoebe learn, grow and develop everyday is amazing and I love it!

…and how is Phoebe progressing?

Phoebe is progressing very well, she is now practically weaned, she is sitting up and crawling – though only backwards which in itself is quite funny; watching her reverse into various corners then needing rescuing is quite amusing.

I have also developed a network of new mums and we catch up regularly to chat about new mum challenges and of course to gossip about the dads.

So, Cilex Level 6 as a new Mum, did you not think you would be busy enough? Looking back it was a crazy idea, but I am delighted to have completed and passed it.

I was part way though my Cilex Level 6 having completed 2 of 3 modules when I discovered that I was pregnant, so I was already signed up for the modules ahead of Phoebe arriving. In October (yes Phoebe was less than a month old) I was offered the option of sitting the exam in January – so four months to learn an entire module from scratch (I’d chosen probate which is an area I had neither worked in or studied before) with a new born! My partner Mike and many other family members encouraged me to go for it so with many offers of support, I signed up. I was thinking that being on maternity leave I would have more time to study, ha! Phoebe had other ideas.

Why did you choose the Probate module?

I was required to study an additional practical subject alongside the Conveyancing module which was also a practical exam and Client Care studies which was a coursework based module; both of which were completed in 2020 and 2021 respectively. I chose probate as there is so much cross-over between the two and our team works so closely with the probate team – choosing probate gives me more knowledge to bring to my clients’ cases.

What were the biggest challenges of studying as a new mum?

I found it much harder the take the information in than in my previous studies, mainly due to the sleep deprivation. Most new parents are told to sleep when the baby sleeps, but I was studying.

I like to listen to music while I revise, but with a new born this is much more of a challenge, and no matter what you do the baby is always in the forefront of your mind – it is difficult to give anything your undivided attention.

How did you fit it all in?

5pm – 9pm became my main study period as my partner Mike would look after Phoebe when he got home from work. I also had great support from Mike’s mum and sister who took care of her for me for one afternoon every week.

I also became an expert in feeding and reading at the same time – baby on one arm, book at the then end of the other.

So what is a Cilex Level 6?

It is a post-graduate level legal qualification which will lead to me be being a Charted Legal Executive. The course I am currently on is the Graduate Fast Track Diploma which is made up of 1/3 coursework relating to client care and 2/3 practical exams which last 3 1/2 hours – it was tough!

I have completed all the exams and I an now classed as an Advanced Paralegal. I now need to submit a portfolio of 42 case studies to obtain full Charted Legal Executive status.

Have you stayed in touch with the team while on maternity leave?

Yes, I have pooped in a few time to show Phoebe off to the team and I was also able to join them for the Christmas doo.

In terms of returning to work, are you looking forward to ?

The new offices are lovely and I’m looking forward to settling into the new environment and meeting one or two new colleagues.

But most of all, I am really excited about entering this next chapter of my career, since I left I have become and mum and gained a new qualification. Phoebe is now my driving force and motivation, I love providing for her. Mike and I, like all parents, want to give her the best life, experiences and opportunities that we can.