Solicitor Apprentice Review

I am currently in the Corporate team. My day-to-day involves compiling DD reports, emailing specialists for reports, drafting ancillaries (for example, board minutes, written resolutions). I also assist on post-completion tasks - for example, filings with Companies House and compiling the Bible.

I have learned many new skills: Legal skills - drafting, compiling DD reports, compiling Bibles and drafting the post-completion Key Dates document. Professional Skills - communication via email, telephone and in-person, attendance notes from sitting in on calls and learning how to present myself and speak to clients.

My programme has exceeded my expectations. The whole office is really friendly and supportive which has created a fantastic environment to learn in as an apprentice. I complete tasks that are vital to deals which gives me responsibility, and I learn from fee earners at different points of their careers.

My programme is very well structured - we spend one year in each seat for the first four years, then six months in each seat whilst doing the SQE exams. We can connect and learn from teams at a slower pace than trainees - this has been very positive for my development.

We receive great support - I have a supervisor, apprentice buddy and Early Careers reaches out regularly to ensure we are okay. We have calls with Early Careers to answer any questions, and frequent one-on-one meetings in which we can share any concerns and receive advice and support.

DLA Piper gives us one day off a week to complete our studies, which works well. On this day, we are contacted by our teams regarding work which allows us to focus on our degree. DLA also makes sure we receive our exam leave days off.

My qualification is vital to my improvement, as each module we cover increases my understanding of the law and how it applies in reality. I can transfer my knowledge from university to my daily tasks which means I can exercise my knowledge in a real-time legal environment.

We can join the netball or football teams, and there are wellness activities frequently. Teams go out socially at least once a month, and DLA hosts regular networking events, many of which are aimed at junior lawyers. We hold many charity events too which create social opportunities for colleagues.

Yes

DLA Piper is a very supportive and diverse firm, which has a specific focus on juniors to help us succeed. The firm is receptive to our thoughts (as apprentices) and ensures that the programme and firm operates in a manner that welcomes and educates us.

I would recommend being genuine and being yourself. Everyone at DLA celebrates their own individuality and what they can bring to the team. Moreover, I would suggest checking our values. At DLA, we all strongly believe in our values and they are crucial to how we operate.