Solicitor Apprentice Review

My day involves drafting legal documents, negotiating with the other side, completing documents, assisting associates in my team. I also run a social mobility group which helps raise awareness of this around the office, so I run events such as work experience weeks, donations etc. I also have meetings and training sessions regularly.

I have developed my communication skills because we treat everyone as our client, even other offices in our firm. I have also learnt negotiation skill which is a necessary skill to have as my work is mainly negotiating documents with the other side. Another skill I have developed is time management.

I really enjoy my programme, it has been very beneficial for my career as I have always wanted to become a solicitor. With this route, I am able to learn from a younger age what the law industry is like. I am also able to develop skills such as negotiation, confidence and client relationships at an earlier stage.

My programme is very organised and structured. My manager has organised a rotation plan so that we get exposure to every aspect of the firms departments. We also have a career framework to see where we should be at each stage of the apprenticeship, which helps us to physically see how we are developing.

I receive a lot of support from my employer. I have been buddied up with an associate in my team so that I am able to have a central person to ask any questions to. I also have monthly catch ups with the apprenticeship manager to discuss and issues or problems I have faced.

I receive a moderate support from my training provider. I feel like this could be improved by having more communication with the managers throughout the apprenticeship. However, overall I am happy with my training provider. They have a strong feel for the apprenticeship and are willing to adapt and grow along with the apprenticeship.

My training provider lets us study the most applicable core subject in our first 2 years so that we are able to link this to our firms' area of law. For example, I studied land law and commercial property as my firm specialises in real estate. My provider also help us with skills like presenting, persuasive writing etc which can all be applied to the job.

We have a drinks trolley every last Friday of the month in order to socialise. We also have a netball team, a football team and a cricket team for people to get involved in. We also have opportunities to visit different offices such as the London office so we can socialise with colleagues we wouldn't usually socialise with.

Yes

I have learnt a lot in my past 3 years that I don't think I would have been able to do without the support of my company. I have been able to grow in confidence and the firm is very welcoming. It has also been voted the top employer for apprenticeships!

I would advise that your application reflects any extra-curricular tasks that you are involved in to make you stand out from anyone else applying. I would also say be yourself but be professional, as at the end of the day this is a law firm investing in your future. Also, study the firm before you apply.