A week in the life of…Jacob

Balancing a High-Pressure Legal Career with Volunteering

Working full-time in a high-pressure environment as a qualified paralegal in defendant insurance litigation at an international law firm is no small feat. Deadlines are tight, the work is complex, and each day demands focus, resilience, and meticulous attention to detail. Yet alongside this role, I also volunteer, and I would not have it any other way.

Volunteering has been a constant in my life, even during periods of intense personal and professional growth. For me, it is about contributing where I can, sharing my lived experience, and supporting others in meaningful ways. Most of my volunteering is through the College’s editorial panel, where I contribute to the development and review of workshops and courses aimed at improving mental and physical wellbeing. I ensure that everything is clear, inclusive, recovery-focused, grounded in lived experience, and aligned with the College’s co-production ethos and the wider values of the NHS Trust.

Returning to volunteering after starting full-time work was not just a practical decision but a deeply personal one. My focus on health stems from my own journey. Since 2021, I have lost just over 14 stone and worked hard to build a balanced, healthy lifestyle. It was not always easy, and I often found managing my eating and establishing healthy habits extremely challenging. Through that process, I discovered resilience, self-respect, and a genuine desire to help others build a healthier relationship with food and themselves. That lived experience shapes the way I approach volunteering. No matter how small a contribution may seem, it can truly make a difference in someone else’s life.

Before joining the College, I volunteered as a Patient Liaison Volunteer at Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield. That experience taught me the value of empathy, patience, and active listening – lessons I carry not only into my volunteering but also in how I approach life and treat others. I remember finishing a day of volunteering, even if only for a few hours, and knowing I had helped someone, even in a small way, always gave me a profound sense of purpose.

Balancing volunteering with a full-time career is challenging but entirely possible and deeply worthwhile. For me, it is about flexibility, focus, and making the most of the time I can give. Sometimes that means reviewing a workshop in the evening after work, going through course materials over the weekend, or even reviewing a course while on the treadmill at the gym – yes, it is possible. Every contribution counts, and the College ensures that the time I give is valued and impactful.

Outside of work and volunteering, I stay active, bake (my cinnamon rolls are a particular crowd-pleaser), and continue nurturing a healthy lifestyle. These activities are not just hobbies but essential to maintaining the balance that allows me to perform at work, volunteer, and stay connected to what matters most.

If there’s one thing I would say to anyone thinking about volunteering while managing a busy life, it’s this: your contributions matter. Every bit of time, insight, and effort you give has value, and the people you support will notice and appreciate it. Volunteering does not have to be all-consuming to be meaningful. Even small acts, done consistently, can have a big impact.

For me, volunteering is more than just an activity. It is a way to give back, share my journey, and make a real difference. It is deeply rewarding, both personally and professionally, and I would not trade it for anything.