Considering your next career step? Have you considered working at Winn Group in our rapidly expanding Vehicle Damage department as a paralegal?

With a range of vacancies, due to continued business success and growth, across the group, now is the time to get your application in.

We took a little time with one of our current Vehicle Damage paralegals Beth Quinn, who provided an insight into the role and what it’s like working at Winns.

What is your job title?

I’m a paralegal and have been working in the Vehicle Damage department for just over a year.

What was it that attracted you to the role?

Following my work experience within the rental car and insurance industries, and having graduated with my Masters in Legal Practice in November 2019, working for the Vehicle Damage team at Winns was the logical next step for me to start my legal career whilst also utilising my knowledge and skill sets from my previous roles.

When applying for the role, I was keen to be given my own caseload and gain experience in the litigation process. Having grown up in Newcastle, Winns is a household name, and I was eager to take my first steps into the legal world with a reputable company.

What is it like working in this role on a day-to-day basis?

No two days are the same in the Vehicle Damage department. The workload is so varied depending on where you are in the litigation process. I also deal with claims which have an injury claim progressing through the OIC Portal and the process for dealing with liability, amongst other things, is completely different from claims without an injury element.

I really like working with such a varied caseload as it means I am gaining new experiences every week. The role is extremely fast-paced, and there is a lot to learn when you first join, but there is always support available and I have always felt supported at Winns.

I also enjoy that there are elements of my role where I can work independently, undertaking my own research and coming up with my own resolutions, and there are also elements where teamwork is essential.

What is the support network like in the department for a paralegal?

The support networks within Vehicle Damage are fantastic. Senior management and management have an open-door policy and are always there to help with any problems. The support I’ve received over the last year as a paralegal, both personally and professionally, has been fantastic and I couldn’t thank my Team Leaders, or Chris and Rebecca, enough.

To add to this, we have experienced and knowledgeable colleagues in the department who are always ready to lend a hand with anything you’re unsure about as they’ve probably done something similar in the past.

Do you feel like you’re developing your career and skill set?

When I joined the Vehicle Damage team in April 2021, I had no prior credit hire knowledge or experience. Since then, I have expanded my knowledge of credit hire, liability disputes, and negotiation exponentially, amongst other elements of my role.

The training I received from Emma Green when I joined was fantastic, and there is still ongoing training and support when required to help ensure that you are well equipped to undertake your role.

I’ve definitely come a long way since I started, developing my knowledge and confidence, and even gained transferrable skills such as time management, prioritising a caseload, and client care skills.

I believe there’s always room to continue evolving within my role and I look forward to becoming a Trainee Solicitor so that I can continue to demonstrate and develop my skill set.

What are the best bits of working in VD?

There are so many good things about working in the Vehicle Damage team. My colleagues are amazing to work with, so helpful and supportive. The management team has always made me feel welcome and supported me in my career whilst at Winns.

There are also great incentives for good performance within the role, like bonus payments, recognition, and career progression.

There is also some friendly competition within the department, among colleagues and teams, which pushes all of us to perform the best we possibly can.

I love facing new challenges every day within my role and continually learning and progressing.

Is there any scope for career progression?

There are lots of avenues for career progression in the Vehicle Damage department. There are progression opportunities for those who wish to undertake a Training Contract and qualify as a Solicitor, those who wish to move into a management role, such as a Team Leader, and also those who wish to move to another department after gaining experience within Vehicle Damage.

Would you recommend a job in the Vehicle Damage department to others?

Absolutely! I’d encourage anyone who feels like they want to take the next step in their legal career to apply, whether you have prior experience or not.

I didn’t have any credit hire experience when I started the role but have received excellent training and support to be where I am today.

There is plenty of room to grow in Vehicle Damage and take the next steps in your career when you’re ready, such as a Training Contract or becoming a team leader.

Ready to take that next career step in a progressive company that encourages development and progression in the role? Click here to find our list of current vacancies, including the paralegal roles we're actively recruiting for.