Solicitor Degree Apprentice Review

My role involves supporting qualified solicitors and fee earners with a range of legal tasks while also studying towards my qualification. On a day-to-day basis, I assist with legal research, drafting documents such as contracts or letters, preparing bundles for court, and attending client meetings or calls. I also manage administrative tasks like filing, organising case materials, and keeping records up to date.

Yes, I've developed a range of both legal and professional skills since starting my apprenticeship. One of the main areas of growth has been my legal research and drafting skills — I’ve become much more confident in finding relevant case law and legislation, and translating that into clear, structured documents. I've also improved my attention to detail, especially when reviewing contracts or preparing court bundles, where accuracy is crucial. On the soft skills side, I’ve developed my communication and time management - balancing work and study has pushed me to stay organised and prioritise tasks effectively, especially when working to tight deadlines.

I really enjoy my programme, it’s a great mix of hands-on legal experience and academic learning. Being able to apply what I study directly to real cases or client work makes everything feel much more relevant and engaging. I like the variety in my day-to-day tasks and the fact that I'm constantly learning, whether it’s through shadowing solicitors, attending client meetings, or tackling new areas of law. Of course, balancing work and study can be challenging at times, but overall, I find the programme rewarding and it’s definitely helping me grow both professionally and personally.

Overall, the programme is well-structured. There’s a clear balance between work and study, with set time allocated for my university learning alongside my day-to-day responsibilities at the firm. I have regular check-ins with my supervisors and university tutors, which helps keep everything on track and makes it easier to manage expectations on both sides.The structure also gives me the chance to rotate through different departments, which is really helpful for gaining broader experience. There are definitely busy periods, but having that structure in place makes it manageable.

I receive a good level of support from my employer. There’s always someone I can go to if I have questions, whether it’s my supervisor, a mentor, or other members of the team. They’re approachable and willing to explain things, which makes a big difference when I’m working on something new or more complex. There’s also structured support in place, like regular check-ins and feedback sessions, which help with tracking my progress. At times it can get busy, so you do need to be proactive in asking for help when needed, but overall I feel well-supported in both my development and day-to-day work.

I’d say the support from my training provider is decent overall. The learning materials are well-structured, and when support is given, it’s usually helpful and clear. There are some useful resources available, and tutors are generally knowledgeable.That said, it can sometimes be a bit difficult to get timely responses, especially during busier periods, which can be frustrating when you're juggling work and study. I’ve learned to be proactive and chase things up when needed. Overall, the support is there - it just sometimes takes a bit of persistence to access it.

I feel like the qualification supports my role by giving me a good foundation in legal knowledge. A lot of the topics we cover at university come up in practice, so it helps me understand the reasoning behind the work I’m doing and makes things feel more meaningful. While not everything links directly to my day-to-day tasks, it does give me the bigger picture and helps me develop skills like legal analysis and research, which are useful across different areas of work. Overall, it complements the practical side of the apprenticeship quite well.

Yeah, there are definitely extra-curricular activities to get involved in at work. There are regular social events like team lunches, after-work drinks, and things like mini golf - we actually did that just last week, which was a great way to get to know people outside of the usual work setting. There are also more professional opportunities like networking events and talks, which are useful for building connections and learning from others in the firm. It’s a nice mix of fun and professional development, and it really helps create a more relaxed, supportive atmosphere at work.

Yes

I’d definitely recommend CMS to a friend, especially if they’re looking to get real hands-on legal experience while developing professionally. The balance between work and study is well managed, and there’s a strong support system in place from the firm - you’re not just thrown in the deep end, but you’re also given the responsibility to learn and grow.The culture is friendly and inclusive, with regular social events like mini golf and networking opportunities that make it easier to build relationships across the firm. Plus, the quality of work is high, so you’re constantly learning and being challenged in a good way. Overall, it’s a great environment to start a legal career.

My main advice would be to really understand what makes CMS different - take time to research the firm’s culture, values, and key practice areas, and make sure that comes through in your application. They’re big on innovation and collaboration, so showing that you’re proactive, open-minded, and a team player goes a long way. Also, be yourself. It sounds cliché, but CMS genuinely values individuality, and trying to be overly “perfect” can come across as less authentic. And if you get to the interview or assessment stage, don’t just focus on legal knowledge - they want to see how you think, communicate, and handle real situations. Lastly, keep an eye on their early talent events and insight days - they’re a great way to learn more about the firm and make a positive impression before you even apply.