Solicitor Apprentice Review

As a Solicitor Apprentice currently sat in the Corporate team, I assist on a range of deals, including mergers and acquisitions, international corporate reorganisations, investment funds and private equity. My role involves assisting with due diligence, conducting legal research, drafting ancillary documents, coordinating signing processes, and liaising with clients.

I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to study towards my law degree, while gaining practical experience working alongside a team of incredibly talented lawyers. This has allowed me to develop skills such as legal drafting, communication, attention to detail, legal research, public speaking, problem solving, and time management.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my role as a Solicitor Apprentice. I was initially attracted to law as the commercial environment that businesses operate in is constantly changing and evolving, through rotating into different teams during the programme, I have seen deals from different perspectives and been able to build on a breadth of knowledge.

My Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship follows an organised structure. Monday is my university day and from Tuesday to Friday are my working days. I study towards my law degree for the first 4 years of the programme, and then undertake the SQE for the last 2 years. Once I reach the end of my 6-year programme, I will be a fully qualified solicitor!

I receive a significant amount of support from my employer, and have an appointed Apprenticeship Programme Manager, Apprenticeship Business Sponsor, Apprentice Buddy, Team Supervisor and Team Buddy. I have been extremely grateful for their mentorship and guidance throughout my programme, and feel like I can approach them regarding any issues.

I feel very well supported by the University of Law, with access to a range of online materials, live lectures, 1-1 skills sessions, personalised study modules and I have a dedicated Skills Coach, whom I meet with every 10-12 weeks.

The intersection of my university study and role at work has aided my professional development and allowed me to practically apply my learning. I have taken courses at university to develop my public speaking and legal research skills, and complex training provided by my work has given me a deeper understanding of legal issues, contracts and the broader legal landscape.

Yes! We have dedicated Social, Sport, Charity, Wellbeing, and Culture Committees, and weekly Netball, Football, Running club and office drinks. During my 18 months at the firm, I have ran a Tough Mudder, organised a charity doughnut sale, survived a Barrys Bootcamp class and played Padel, Table Tennis, Netball, and Baseball! There are also lots of wider apprentice networking events in the city.

Yes

The values, culture and international opportunities initially drew me to DLA, and each step of my application and assessment felt personalised. I have thoroughly enjoyed my apprenticeship so far, and can not wait to see what the next 4 and years hold!

It is important to research the firm and personalise your application by finding something that interests you, and to stay informed about the legal industry and current developments. Understanding their values, culture and recent work will also help to align your application to show your genuine interest.