Solicitor Apprentice stage 1 Review

on a day to day basis we were really just having fun I mean it was about the law but they really did try and make us feel like home like we were a part of the team which I really appreciated, it was a good time and I loved the atmosphere.

CMs taught me a lot about the importance of communication and how rapport is a big part of any client interaction. this is especially important since I want to be a lawyer and lawyers (solicitors or even barristers) base their entire job and ability through communication and how effectively they do this.

The fast-paced world of telecommunications really pushes you out of your comfort zone. From having to perfect the art of rhetoric and persuasion to feeling the pressure of KPI targets, this job is the perfect fit for an aspiring lawyer as having customers essentially be clients, it teaches you the importance of rapport and maintaining those relationships. The similarities of working in the tech sector to the corporate world make this an enjoyable and rewarding job, where no two days are the same.

his week-long work experience consisted of me closely shadowing barristers and reading up on current cases as well as attending courts such as The Old Bailey, to first hand see the law physically being executed. As we collaborated on ideas and exchanged views, it helped me sharpen up on skills such as communication and being open to other people’s views and criticisms. Particularly, analysing the highly controversial case Prince Jefri Bolkiah v KMPG was one of the many highlights as we dove deep into the world of human rights law, seeing how judges come to making their decisions. Looking at cases and seeing how barristers found discrepancies and such really opened my eyes into the technicalities of being a barrister and how much attention and critical thinking it requires.

This London based law firm offered students the chance to see how real-life firms operate. We were given opportunities to engage in intellectual debates with partners and solicitors. This programme consisted of us shadowing various professionals in their daily roles and seeing what type of business they conducted. Although every day would vary, my time here was spent looking over cases and learning how to draft contracts between the firm and clients. This experience, on the whole, allowed me to gain first hand, primary insight into the corporate sphere, enabling you to see how accurate your perceptions on the world of law truly are.

here the quickly changing and rapid nature embedded into the life of a solicitor really shone through. Emergency client meetings and paperwork deadlines occupied the day to day business of the solicitor I was shadowing, opening my eyes to the intensely pressured reality of a lawyer in the big city of London.

This, along with grappling the niche aspects of the corporate life really helped me solidify my yearning to be a solicitor, as I had to learn to quickly face the harsh reality of high pressure and long hours, an aspect I feel I am ready for wholeheartedly and within my mental ability.

This programme also aids us in meeting and networking with people not only who are solicitors and barristers but people who are in similar positions as us. Meeting students who have similar interests and passions as ourselves helps us maintain a close knit community of friendships and is a fundamental part of the programme.

Yes

On this specific assessed day, we were introduced to multiple barristers, solicitors, trainees and paralegals who talked us through what working in a Magic Circle law firm meant. We also had the chance to question and gain insight upon aspects that aren't so obvious online such as opportunities to go abroad within the firm, typical hours and benefits of the job.

I would highly recommend it through the in-depth niche knowledge they give you. On this day, we took part in a career carousel in which we met multiple people and networked with people in our desired profession. Barristers from Essex Court Chambers attended and briefed us on what it is meant being a lawyer, how flexible the profession is and how we can prepare now. Aspects such as university courses, salaries and pupillage's were discussed and elaborated on if needed.