For this edition of ‘Four Questions with,’ we spoke with Ivan, one of our Summer 2025 graduates and the winner of our £125 ‘Update your Details competition’ gift card! He shares about how being visible in the workplace and voicing your progress is really important and that he is looking forward to spending his gift card on some IKEA furniture and getting the next book on his reading list reading list, Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman.
Briefly describe your current graduate role and how you are finding it?
I currently work as a paralegal in Birmingham at Capsticks. This law firm specialises in representing and advising framework partners, like the Met Police and NHS Trusts, in various legal areas. I joined the Employment and Pensions division in September after graduating from the University with a law degree. On a day-to-day basis, my role involves helping solicitors with case management tasks, like putting documents together for the Employment Tribunals. Attending hearings is especially rewarding as I get to see how the theory of employment law from my degree plays out in practice. The most motivating aspect of my role is seeing the positive impact on the clients, particularly after pushing past distractions to deliver quality work under pressure.
What is the biggest mistake you have made since graduating and what have you learnt from it?
Starting my career, I underestimated the importance of proactive communication. At University, I was used to working independently, particularly when writing essays and preparing for exams. In a law firm, silence creates uncertainty for supervisors, even if you are working hard behind the scenes.
I received feedback that I should check in more regularly. My key takeaway is that being seen as a reliable team member does not revolve around output alone, but about visibility and trust. I treat communication as a part of work itself.
Tell us about your top moment during your time at University of Birmingham?
A standout moment came from volunteering with the University’s Pro Bono Employment Tribunal Streetlaw Project. The experience of delivering our first Zoom teaching session was nerve-wracking at first, but it helped me realise how much I enjoyed employment law. I finished the session beaming with joy because it symbolised a culmination of our supervisor’s work and the group’s research, script drafting, and design. I felt I made a difference in litigants’ Tribunal experience and knew I wanted to take my career in this direction.
What is the best advice you have been given?
My partner, Charlie, was instrumental in helping me through my degree journey. She reminded me to look after my health to avoid burnout. When my seminars and readings felt overwhelming, she was the one who encouraged me to step back and look after myself.
The constant drum can easily catch people off guard, so they forget about their well-being. But looking after your mental health is as important as hitting your targets or preparing for your seminars. Take the time to rest properly. Sustainable effort will always beat a constant ‘overdrive’ mindset.