I was selected to partake in the LLG National Work Experience Week in 2023. I was completing my PGDL at the time and did not have a lot of legal work experience and knowledge of public sector law. I have always enjoyed politics and so local government was a sector of law I was keen to experience.
I was assigned to the London Borough of Hounslow. The Legal Team at Hounslow personally tailored my experience to the areas of interests expressed in my application. In doing so, I was able to get a real insight into what a career in local government could look like for me.
I spent a significant amount of time with each member of the legal team, shadowing them. We discussed what they do on a day-to-day basis and there were always opportunities to ask questions. I had the opportunity to experience different areas of local government legal work including environmental law, governance, and democratic services. I attended meetings to discuss regulations and governance, discussed the Council’s environment plans with a councillor, and was shown the crucial role planning law plays in developing Hounslow’s high streets.
The format of the week meant that I could spend time with a different member of the legal team each day, whilst also expanding my knowledge in other areas of public sector law through online webinars which took place in the afternoons.
The LLG Work Experience Week helped me land my first job working as a Democratic Services Assistant in a council. I am now working as the Legal Training, Membership Support and Projects Coordinator for LLG. It is providing me with a holistic view of the public sector in law and I am thoroughly enjoying it. I am hoping to continue my career in local government.
