Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Languages
Affiliations
References
Timeline
Generic
NICOLA DONOGHUE

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
08.2020 - 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
08.2015 - 07.2020
  • 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
08.2013 - 08.2015
  • 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
10.2024 -

Diploma - Leadership and Management

University College Dublin
Ireland
03.2021 - 07.2021

Diploma of Education - Higher Diploma in Primary Teaching

Department of Education and Skills
Ireland
09.2013 - 06.2014

Bachelor of Education in Primary Teaching - Education

University College Limerick
Ireland
09.2010 - 08.2013

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
10.2024 -

Diploma - Leadership and Management

University College Dublin
03.2021 - 07.2021

Team Leader/Primary Teacher

Dubai International Academy Al Barsha
08.2020 - Current

Primary teacher

Raffles International School
08.2015 - 07.2020

Diploma of Education - Higher Diploma in Primary Teaching

Department of Education and Skills
09.2013 - 06.2014

Executive Assistant to the F&B Manager / Director

O'Donoghue's Ltd
08.2013 - 08.2015

Bachelor of Education in Primary Teaching - Education

University College Limerick
09.2010 - 08.2013
NICOLA DONOGHUE