Solicitor Apprentice Review

I spend 20% of my time off-the-job, working towards my law degree. The other 80% is spent on-the-job where I am currently in the finance team. My study day usually involves watching my lecture, completing any reading or any tasks and assessments. As an apprentice in the finance team, typical tasks that I may be involved in are: checking emails, communicating with the other side / external communications via email or phone, drafting documents (CP checklists, corporate authorisations, letters etc), reviewing documents, team meetings and completing university work where there is spare time.

Key skills that I have developed are: 1. Time management: balancing university and working has improved my time management 2. Communication: part of my job involves communicating with team members internally, and also communicating externally via email and telephone 3. Technical skills: I have gained a range of legal technical skills such as drafting legal documents

The solicitor apprenticeship programme has been a very enjoyable experience so far. The support network we are given contributes to this, such as having an apprentice buddy, team buddy, supervisor, the early careers team and a cohort of solicitor apprentices.

The programme is very well organised and structured, outlining a clear progression path. It is 6 years long. The first 4 years are spent completing a law degree part time, whilst the last 2 years involve studying towards the SQE. There are yearly rotations when on the job, allowing me to gain experience in a range of teams.

The support received includes: Early Careers team: me and my cohort will have regular catch ups with our manager where we can raise concerns / discuss any thing of interest Apprentice Buddy: I have been paired with a second year apprentice and we have regular monthly catch ups Supervisor: I have a supervisor in my team to over look my work, providing me support in my team

My training provider has provided me with a dedicated skills coach, who regularly checks in on me and to see how I am getting on. Every 2-3 months I will have a review with my skills coach and my supervisor to formally check my progression on the apprenticeship and provide me new targets to work towards.

My qualification develops many transferable skills that will help me to perform better in my role. For example, written and oral communication and reading.

There are a range of people networks you can join, such as; Horizons, Mosaic, Law and more. These networks will host a range of events where you can meet other members. You are also able to get involved in the charity committee, helping to host events for charity. There is a weekly lunch time run club, and football and netball takes place after work. The London office has fortnightly office drinks allowing you to network with other colleagues.

Yes

The firm has a friendly and collaborative culture, allowing you to learn and work with others often. The people networks and socials allow you to develop meaningful connections with colleagues. These aspects of the firm have been especially enjoyable whilst on the apprenticeship programme because I have been able to work with and learn from others from day one.

1. Do your research. I carried out my research using the firms website, LinkedIn page and any other social media pages I could find. Try to find something that stands out to you, and be prepared to speak about this during the application process as a reason why you might want to work at DLA Piper. 2. Be organised. Ensure you stay on top of application deadlines as there will be multiple rounds to the application process.