Trainee Solicitor Apprentice Review

I am currently on the Real Estate Finance Team. My day-to-day role involves assisting associates and partners with large deals where we're either acting for a borrower or a lender. This involves drafting certain finance documents, managing the CPs throughout the transaction and assisting with completion at the end of the deal.

I am constantly developing my skills of communication, this involves written communication and spoken communication. In addition, working with other people and how to manage their expectations especially if they may be difficult to work with or have a different style of working to you (which you have to adapt depending on who you're working with).

I enjoy my programme and think it was a good career choice for me but that is not to say that it is without it's challenges. It is very hard to sometimes manage your time between work and study but the career progression and opportunities you receive are worth it.

There is a clear plan for where each apprentice will be going for usually 2 years in advance so it is very well structured and each apprentice knows what their plan is but sometimes this changes due to business needs, maternity leave or other situations that may arise which is understandable.

There is always support available to you when you need it whatever area of support you need. For example, there are always available mental health first aiders (which the firm provide the training for), if you're struggling with your work your supervisor is always available and other people you can go to.

We don't receive much support from the training provider. They are not always clear on timing or structure of the course which can cause a bit of stress. Another issue is that often the tutors take off time between the end of teaching and the exams so you don't have anyone to go to if you have a question before the exam.

I wouldn't necessarily say that it helps me perform better in my role. Most of our modules do not relate to the work we do and so has little to no effect on our day-to-day role. I also think that the skills we pick up in the work place are far more valuable than those taught by the training provider as most of the tutors haven't worked in practice for many years.

There always seems to be something going on at BCLP however, this is mostly in the London office. The Manchester office doesn't necessarily have much to get involved in unless we organise it ourselves e.g. apprentice drinks. There is a sports team but this is limited to football.

Yes

Overall it is a pleasant firm to work for and the environment is great for example all the colleagues I have worked with are all lovely and will not hesitate to answer any questions you may have. The location of the offices are also great in that they are in a central location and easy to get to.

I would say that always be honest. Whatever questions you are asked in an interview always be honest with your answers even if you don't know the answer. Don't be afraid to sell yourself and big yourself up and talk about any and all experiences you may have had to make you stand out.