Trainee Solicitor - Apprentice Review

As a trainee in a Real Estate team, I am dealing daily with drafting and negotiating asset management documents such as leases, licences and deeds. I also provide a support role to more senior solicitors. I am primarily responsible for managing my own files and I am involved directly in advising clients.

I have developed countless skills. In terms of recently, I have developed time management and organisation, due to taking management of my own files. I have also developed systems to ensure all tasks are done in order of priority and I also gained attention to detail. Throughout the apprenticeship, drafting skills and communication skills are hugely developed through support, practice and increased confidence.

I enjoy the responsibility that comes with this role, however I find that the demands of the role and doing a degree at the same time can be extremely overwhelming, particularly at times closer to exams. It would be great if the wider firm was made more aware of the demands of apprentices so greater understanding can be given of our split responsibility.

The programme is well structured however there is some inconsistency at the stage of trainee, as we are handed over to the graduate recruitment team but still have lots of contact with the apprentice manager. The apprenticeship itself is structured clearly in a way that makes sense but with the introduction of the SQE it is not entirely clear when and how qualification is achieved.

The support in the Manchester office in particular is very strong, as there is a good understanding of the demands of the apprenticeship and team leaders are well aware of study requirements around exam times. There is also study leave offered to those sitting the SQE. I feel this could be improved by raising more awareness of the demands of the apprenticeship across the offices, as the trainees in Manchester are governed by the graduate recruitment team and I do not believe they are fully aware of how difficult being an apprentice can be.

The support from the training provider is not satisfactory. The feedback given is inconsistent and at times there have been apprentices who were not aware of their portfolio coach and therefore were not given adequate portfolio support. I have noticed that lectures are not tailored to the subject/level, as all level 6 exams are multiple choice and I have been asked to draft documents as an exercise in a lecture which seems like wasted time when time as an apprentice is precious.

I think that certain topics which are learned on the apprenticeship do lend themselves well to giving apprentices a better understanding of practice, however the bulk of my knowledge as an apprentice has come from my work rather than my studies.

There are monthly events organised which are activity based and are very inclusive, for example we did ice skating for December's social and we are doing painting for January's social. I am one of the captains of the BCLP Manchester 5 a side team, which is great to be involved in. All players are very keen and look forward to Thursday nights where we take part in a professional's league.

No

Whilst I enjoy working for BCLP and many of my peers are hugely supportive, in terms of career development the Manchester office is very tailored to Real Estate, therefore if you are not interested in Real Estate I would not recommend working for BCLP. I have had great personal experience with the quality of my work but I feel that the opportunities at the BCLP London office do not trickle down to the Manchester office which can be frustrating.

I would advise any applicants to read on the kind of work that BCLP do and which clients that we work for, in particular which sectors that BCLP are heavily involved with. BCLP have a great diversity and inclusivity initiative therefore I would advise any applicants to align themselves with BCLPs core values.