Trainee Solicitor Apprentice Review

My role involves a variety of things. I am tasked with drafting and negotiating various legal agreements (e.g. Concession Agreements, procurement contracts, filming agreements, etc.), having calls with key internal stakeholders and clients, liaising with other solicitors to agree documents, updating client reports and also assisting other colleagues both senior and junior in their day-to-day roles. I find this all really interesting and engaging, which means I enjoy what I do in my role. I also have university studies to complete, and the firm gives me one study day per week to assist in getting this done alongside my day job.

Yes I have. Please see as follows: - I have learnt how to better utilise Microsoft Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel and Teams. - I have learnt how to draft legal agreements and negotiate documents in a constructive manner. - I have learnt how to manage peoples expectations when it comes to workload. - I have developed my communications skills both verbally and in writing. - I have developed my confidence when meeting and dealing with new people.

I thoroughly enjoy my programme. I think it is a fantastic opportunity for young people to enter the legal profession with a top ranked, global law firm which really gives you exposure to key stakeholders and clients very early on in the apprenticeship. I have worked with partners in the firm who are very senior and been trusted to meet with and manage clients on my own. The work I do is also at times complex and challenges me, which helps me further develop my skills and improve in my role. I have also had the opportunity to be seconded to a client of the firm, based in London, which has been a top class experience. BCLP having been a Best Employer before really helps highlight the quality of the opportunities they provide.

The structure is well organised. There is a clear system whereby you are a legal apprentice for two years, learning the basics of law and the fundamentals of working in a professional environment. You are then are given the chance to apply for promotion to become a solicitor apprentice. This increases the complexity of your work as well as the expectations on you to embrace the step up and progress yourself further. Then, after two years as a solicitor apprentice you have the opportunity to apply to become a trainee solicitor apprentice (equivalent to a trainee solicitor) and rotate through four different seats in the firm, with the view then to qualifying as a solicitor. All this is ran alongside the degree and SQE, which can be challenging to manage but with discipline and determination it is doable. I would say the structure towards the end of the programme needs refining, as there is some improvements to be had around the study leave for the SQE exams as well as expanding the seat choices available in our Manchester office. These would be solid improvements which would help elevate the programme to the next level.

I receive great support from my apprenticeship manager, who I feel is always there for me when I need her and really wants to see me succeed at BCLP. I also receive great support from my supervisors and collegaues in the teams through help with questions and checking over my work, as well as offering guidance regarding career questions. I would say sometimes I feel a lack of support from emerging talent, as I think we could all benefit from them visiting us in Manchester a bit more to build those relationships and get to know us better, as well as offer more guidance regarding the qualification process.

BPP are very helpful in providing the university training and helping me develop strong legal knowledge. They are supportive in me finalising my portfolio of work which I need to evidence for the apprenticeship. They are also supportive in helping me reach the end of my degree and SQE exams, but do not take an active role in my qualification process at BCLP which is fair enough in my opinion.

I think the work I have done with BPP will stand me in good stead when it comes to qualification. Their guidance and training has, for the most part, been very good. On some occasions, the delivery of some of the core legal modules has been below expectations, but they have always been receptive of feedback and looked to improve things for future cohorts.

Yes, BCLP offers a variety of activities to get involved in. These range from our Inclusion and Diversity (I&D) teams, which encompass gender, social inclusion and LGBTQ+. I have taken an active role in the social inclusion team and are always looking for new ways to promote and increase social mobility. There are also sports teams including football, netball and cricket. I play an active role in the football team both in Manchester and in London where I am currently based. I find it a really good way to team-build and get to know colleagues in a more informal setting.

Yes

Because it is a firm where you can be yourself, feel supported and get involved in a lot of high quality work from early on in your career. It is a truly global firm and there are so many opportunities to work with people in other offices and sometimes even visit or be seconded to them, which really helps broaden your horizons. The training at BCLP is also top class and there is a real passion for developing young professionals and helping them to grow.

Be yourself, be positive and show an enthusiasm for the firm and the profession as a whole. Make sure to do your market research beforehand e.g. the firm has a big focus on Real Estate, so make sure you are up to date on current trends in that sector. A can-do attitude and a willingness to learn and develop will also stand you in good stead when applying.