Senior solicitor apprentice Review

My role includes reviewing notices from landlord and tenants, updating client reports, legal research into the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 and a lot of client contact on a daily basis. I am the junior resource in my team, so I am responsible for maintaining file management and keeping the client updated on what stage of the matter we are up to.

The skills I have learnt are my research skills. I am currently completing a seat in our Real Estate Disputes department, which entails a lot more research tasks, compared to other seats I have completed previously. I have also developed my communication skills and my time management skills as these are worked on every day.

I really enjoy my programme. We are exposed to many different seats in the Manchester office, allowing us to receive experience in all different areas, prior to qualifying as a solicitor. The programme is constantly reviewed and developed to a higher standard each year, meaning that each new cohort is exposed to even better experiences. We have opened up the apprenticeship in another office, which shows how much development and success the apprenticeship has

My programme is very well structured. Each apprentice receives a rotation plan which is mapped out for the first 4/5 years of the apprenticeship route, and is subject to change as you can have some input on those rotations. This helps apprentices gain exposure to all areas of law that we specialise in in the Manchester office, and become a more rounded lawyer.

I receive a lot of support from my employer. We have 1-2-1 meetings with the apprenticeship manager every month and she is always available to speak to if we have any issues. The team managers are very appreciative of apprentices and treat us equally to the paralegals in the teams

We receive ample support from the training provider. They try to keep us up to date with work that is due each term, but this could be improved. The apprenticeship manager and leader are always available to answer any questions we have, and respond fast to any queries about the programme

I think that my qualification plays a big role in helping me perform better at work. We usually study topics that are tailored to our area of law in the first two years of the apprenticeship, to help us gain the knowledge needed. We then study all areas required for the LLB which is interesting as some areas we never get exposure to, so it is nice to have a change of law

There are many extra-curricular activities. In the summer we have a netball team and a cricket team which you are able to join. We also have a lot of office parties such as the summer party and Christmas party. We have lunchtime quizzes which the whole office takes part in. We also have team socials

Yes

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner has been very supportive towards my route into law. As an apprentice, I feel valued and appreciated by the firm, and I have already experienced many things that I wouldn't at other firms. I am excited to qualify as a solicitor and hopefully continue working for BCLP

I would research the firm and make sure you know what area of law we specialise in and if this is something you would be interested in. Prepare for your interviews and come with some knowledge of the firm. I would make sure you have some current commercial knowledge and be yourself!