Solicitor Apprentice Review

The role of a solicitor apprentice is similar to that of a trainee in the team. Day to day tasks include legal research, commercial research, drafting, writing articles on new case law/government policies, bundling, taking notes at meetings and general admin tasks.

Learned the importance of attention to detail, drafting, working efficiently, improving communication skills both in written and oral work, the ability to speak in many different environments with many different people

I have really enjoyed being a solicitor apprentice, I feel i've had opportunities to work with a number of big clients and on a number of big cases which has been invaluable experience that I would not have if I had went to university. I've taken on a lot of responsibility in every team I've been in and feel that I have improved rapidly over time because of this. It can certainly be challenging at times working late hours on complex matters looking to go above and beyond for the team and balancing this with looking to excel in university studies and other commitments, but overall I am enjoying the programme.

The programme is well structured with a clear timetable on how long you spend in each team and when you rotate to your next seat. There is also opportunities to pursue client secondments tailored for Solicitor Apprentices. One criticism would be the uncertainty and lack of choice you have in choosing your next seat. Although you can put in a preference as to which team you would like to go to next, there is some ambiguity as to how much weight this preference holds. Due to how new the programme is there is still uncertainty as to what the programme looks like once you are in the training contract period of the programme.

I have received a lot of support from my employer. Solicitor Apprentices are given leave from work on the lead up to exams to allow us to prepare. Whenever I have had any queries Emerging Talent have been attentive, supportive, understanding and keen to find a solution/answer to the query raised. Emerging Talent have kept me in mind for a number of opportunities that have arisen.

Overall the lectures provide a foundational understanding on the concepts we are learning which is built on with wider reading that is provided. If an assignment is submitted late it won't get marked which is a bit frustrating. The lectures take a long time to watch and don't provide enough key information which leads to having to do a lot of individual reading to avoid gaps in your notes.

The theoretical training provided at uni through the law degree helps provide key context and background fundamental legal concepts that are important to understand when working on matters at work allowing for me to have a better understanding on the matters I am working on. However, there can be quite a disconnect on your studies compared to the practice group you are in. For example, you could be studying criminal law at uni whilst working in the pensions team.

Yes there are a number of extra-curricular activities to get involved with including football, rugby and netball teams which often have tournaments and travel for tours; networking events and conferences that you can attend and often team socials.

Yes

Great opportunity to develop into a solicitor through four years as an apprentice where you have the opportunity to take on a lot of responsibility working for big clients and on complex matters whilst also obtaining a degree debt-free. Also guaranteed a training contract for another two years with SQEs paid for. Can work in various different areas of law and many social events to attend.

When answering questions, whether in an interview or application, look to stand out with your answers by giving strong responses that differ to the general answers that the recruitment team often see. Show commercial awareness in your answers by having a good understanding of developments both at CMS and the legal industry as well as having a breadth of work experience.