NICOLA DONOGHUE
Dubai,UAE
Summary
Aspiring legal professional and current FE1 candidate, having successfully passed the FE1 exams in Contract Law and Criminal Law — the Irish equivalent of core modules in the UK’s Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE1). I am now seeking to transition into the legal sector as a Legal Secretary or Paralegal, with the goal of building practical legal experience and contributing to a professional legal environment.
With over a decade of experience in primary education and one year in a middle leadership role, I bring strong organisational, administrative, and communication skills to any team. I have experience managing documentation, coordinating schedules, preparing reports, and maintaining accurate records — all of which are highly transferable to legal administrative roles. My attention to detail, professionalism, and ability to manage sensitive information discreetly, alongside my growing legal knowledge, make me well suited to supporting legal teams in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work history
Team Leader/Primary Teacher
Dubai International Academy Al Barsha
Dubai, UAE
2020.08 - Current
- Coordinated weekly planning meetings for Grade 3 team, documenting actions and ensuring follow-up.
- Analysed student performance data to enhance curriculum delivery and reporting efficiency.
- Streamlined lesson planning processes and standardised assessment practices to support leadership objectives.
- Delivered staff training on digital learning platforms, enhancing organisational digital capabilities.
- Liaised with leadership and external stakeholders to ensure compliance with reporting timelines.
- Organised internal events, managing logistics and documentation for stakeholder communication.
- Compiled assessment and curriculum data for formal reporting and inspection preparation.
- Maintained accurate digital portfolios and records in alignment with data policies.
Primary teacher
Raffles International School
Dubai, UAE
2015.08 - 2020.07
- Drafted and edited formal school communications, ensuring compliance with regulations and clarity.
- Maintained confidential digital and physical records of student performance and assessments.
- Conducted thorough research on curriculum regulations to inform academic planning.
- Summarised educational data to assist in preparation of inspection documents and parent updates.
- Gathered documentation for school-wide audits, enhancing regulatory readiness.
- Managed administrative tasks including meeting coordination and budgeting for academic events.
- Coordinated risk assessments and permissions for external programmes, liaising with educational bodies.
- Participated in policy development for safeguarding and document control best practices.
Executive Assistant to the F&B Manager / Director
O'Donoghue's Ltd
Galway, Ireland
2013.08 - 2015.08
- Drafted and reviewed internal documentation, supplier agreements, and compliance letters for accuracy.
- Organised and maintained corporate files, including contracts and health and safety records.
- Compiled records for audits and coordinated with local authorities on regulatory matters.
- Managed filing systems for business operations, ensuring up-to-date accessibility.
- Researched licensing regulations and employment compliance, updating the Director on legislative changes.
- Prepared project files and monthly reports for planning and stakeholder meetings.
- Facilitated communications with external advisors to ensure efficient information exchange.
- Provided comprehensive administrative support, including calendar management and meeting coordination.
Education
Law (Solicitor Qualification – FE1 Exams)
Law Society of Ireland
Ireland 2024.10 -
Diploma - Leadership and Management
University College Dublin
Ireland 2021.03 - 2021.07
Diploma of Education - Higher Diploma in Primary Teaching
Department of Education and Skills
Ireland 2013.09 - 2014.06
Bachelor of Education in Primary Teaching - Education
University College Limerick
Ireland 2010.09 - 2013.08
Skills
- Strong understanding of legal terminology, contract structure, and procedural documentation
- Legal research and analysis skills (including case law and statutory interpretation)
- Excellent written communication and professional report writing
- Proven ability to manage sensitive information with discretion and confidentiality
- Organised and detail-oriented; able to manage multiple deadlines and priorities
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Experience using digital learning platforms and document management tools
- Fast learner with adaptability in high-pressure, fast-paced environments
- Strong interpersonal and stakeholder communication skills
- Self-motivated, proactive, and capable of working both independently and collaboratively
- Professional conduct with a strong sense of responsibility and integrity
- Fluent in English; familiar with working in multicultural and multilingual environments
Languages
English
Native
Affiliations
- Running and training for endurance events (10km and half marathons)
- Travel and exploring different cultures
- Volunteering in education and community initiatives
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Law (Solicitor Qualification – FE1 Exams)
Law Society of Ireland
2024.10 -
Diploma - Leadership and Management
University College Dublin
2021.03 - 2021.07
Team Leader/Primary Teacher
Dubai International Academy Al Barsha
2020.08 - Current
Primary teacher
Raffles International School
2015.08 - 2020.07
Diploma of Education - Higher Diploma in Primary Teaching
Department of Education and Skills
2013.09 - 2014.06
Executive Assistant to the F&B Manager / Director
O'Donoghue's Ltd
2013.08 - 2015.08
Bachelor of Education in Primary Teaching - Education
University College Limerick
2010.09 - 2013.08