Solicitor Apprentice Review

My role is a solicitor apprentice within the in-house legal department at Newcastle Building Society. Following the completion of my Contract Law module I was put into a contracts seat within our Contracts Team in Legal. During this time I completed a range of work which mainly included: • Drafting agreements; • Attending important NSSL project meetings; and • Legal research. Going into Year 2, following studying Land Law at University I am currently getting involved with a lot of property work within the Member Team, such as: • Re-possession work; • Mortgage propositions; • Negotiating either a lease or a licence for a new branch; • Litigation; • Advising the business on upcoming legislation; and • Responding to member legal queries from around the business.

I have learnt a range of skills, professionally, academically and personally. I have developed my written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write high graded academic essays and assessments and the ability to speak more confidently to my colleagues and to large groups of people. I have developed my problem solving skills as problem solving is something I do day to day, and I have also developed my team working skills as I was able to easily fit into my team.

I really do enjoy my programme. My day to day job is made much easier by the fact that I enjoy coming into work. This is mostly down to how well I get on with my team and by the fact that my company has a really good culture and has good values which both stood out to me from the outset.

My programme is very organised and structured. My team have devised a plan whereby I undertake tasks at work that correspond with my studies at university. This allows me to put into practice what I have learned at university. I have a lot of support from work, from my manager, my mentor and my team and also the Early Talent support I receive from HR. I am granted 1 day per week for my studies and any additional days I may require approaching exam times. I have monthly check in meetings with my manager and mentor to ensure that I am doing OK and that I feel fully supported.

As mentioned in the last answer, I have a huge support network around me. This stems from my manger and mentor (who are both seated next to me in my department) and from my whole team who really encourage my development. All colleagues within my team are more than happy to help me with my work when needed and with any questions I may have. I also have support from HR, particularly from the Early Talent Manager and the Head of People Development who I know are there if I have any issues or if I have a problem that I don't want to talk to my team about. From experience, my colleagues in HR are especially supportive and quick to resolve problems.

I have a tutor at university and have quarterly tripartite meetings to check in on my progress in house and how I am getting on with my studies. Its comforting to know that I have this additional layer of support outside of work and it's helpful to talk to someone who knows a lot about my academic work.

My training provider has provided me with a good base knowledge to take into and apply in practice. Working in-house, some of the modules are not very relevant to what I do day to day although I have enjoyed most of the modules so far. I have not yet attended any company / social events from my university nor do attend any leisure, sports clubs or classes from my uni. When I'm not working, I mostly enjoy spending time with my boyfriend, family and friends, going to the gym and relaxing.

I attend professional networking events with external law firms such as seminars and an annual networking beauty event at John Lewis Beauty Hall. I have also attended Lawyers Forum with the Building Societies Association. There is a free gym to attend at my work and there are also classes to take part in such as yoga.

Yes

I have recommended NBS to my friend already, she was interested in a digital marketing apprenticeship. I recommended NBS as I truly believe this is a really good place to work. I have been really pleased with my experience so far and I was particularly praising our Early Talent Scheme as I felt really welcomed into the company. It was nice starting with a cohort of other early talent and I really enjoyed my induction days.

The advice that I would give to others when applying to Newcastle Building Society would be to look at our website and familiarise yourself with our culture and values. I found after doing this, I was able to relate to them and I know my team were particularly impressed with this. With assessment days, the advice I would give is to engage with the assessors. Be sure to ask lots of questions! Engage in discussion during group talks and ask questions during the presentations. Ask questions during the break or over lunch in order to learn more about the company and to show interest. During the on-boarding process and induction days - talk to those next to you! These people will become your colleagues and its nice to have a friend who you have known since day one.