It doesn’t seem five minutes since we published a blog with the title, ‘Getting to know Mooneerams new Legal Assistant, Esther Antiri.’ Yet here we are, four months later, saying our farewells to someone who has become a highly popular and valuable member of Mooneerams road traffic accident team in only a short time.
Esther hails from the town of Breda in the Netherlands. Last year, she joined Mooneerams as a work placement student from Juridische Hogeschool Avan-Fontys, a legal college in Tilburg. When Esther arrived in Cardiff, we chatted about her hopes and expectations for her time ahead with Mooneerams. Understandably, she was both nervous and excited in equal measure.
So now, as Esther prepares to depart these shores, we thought we’d ask her how things have gone for her. Here’s what she had to say.
Esther, what were your initial expectations when joining Mooneerams, and how did your actual experience compare?
I hoped to gain valuable experience from working overseas, in the office of a law firm in the UK, where the legal system differs significantly from the one I’m used to in the Netherlands.
I expected to find a professional working environment at Mooneerams (which I did) but also to find it hugely challenging, with English not my first language, the legal system different from that in my home country of the Netherlands, and an entirely different cultural setting.
However, I was pleasantly surprised with how quickly I adapted and also with the quality of work experience I have had. From the start, I was asked to take on meaningful tasks, such as drafting agreements, managing files, and building strong relationships with clients and colleagues. Challenging? Yes, a little at first, but I came into the office each day feeling more confident than the day before.
Can you share a memorable case or project you worked on during your time here? What made it stand out?
One memorable project I worked on involved drafting agreements for minors who had suffered injury in an accident. It made an impact on me, as the work required a careful understanding of both the law involved and the sensitivity and empathy needed when working with vulnerable individuals. I also attended court on this case to have the settlement approved by a judge, which was a fantastic experience.
What were the most significant challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them?
One of the main challenges was adapting to a new work culture and communicating in English all the time. While English is my second language, and I speak it regularly, being Dutch, I’m much more used to speaking in my native language. However, by immersing myself fully in the English-speaking environment, I gradually became more confident in my use of the English language, which helped me communicate fully with my colleagues and made carrying out my work tasks easier.
Which skills do you feel you’ve developed or enhanced during your time at Mooneerams?
I have significantly improved my English, both written and verbal. I also enhanced my ability to manage legal documents and maintain client files efficiently. Moreover, I gained a deeper understanding of English legal practices and the importance of building a great working relationship with your colleagues so that you work well together as a team.
How has this experience shaped your future career aspirations in the legal field?
This experience has strengthened my passion for working in the legal profession. I now understand the importance of adapting to different legal cultures and am more confident about pursuing further international legal opportunities.
What will you miss most about working at Mooneerams and living in Cardiff?
I will miss the warm and welcoming team at Mooneerams, who helped me integrate and made my time here enjoyable. The work environment was supportive, and I built great relationships with colleagues and clients. I will also miss Cardiff itself, with its vibrant culture, beautiful scenery, and the city’s sense of community.
Mooneerams experienced Road Traffic Accident claims expert Richard Thomas, worked closely with Esther and had this to say:
“The time has flown since Esther first joined us in September 2024, and it’s hard to believe she is going already.
It’s been very easy to forget she is not here permanently.
Esther settled in and adapted incredibly quickly and has become an important member of the RTA team and also the office as a whole.
During her time here, Esther has dealt with clients, helped settle cases and assisted with court hearings, to name just a few things, all in her second language!
I will be very sorry to see her go, but I wish her all the best for her future and the rest of her degree.”
Richard speaks for all of us.
Esther, from everyone at Mooneerams, all the very best for the future!
