Apprentice Solicitor Review

by DWF Law LLP

Rating

5.6/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

Apprentice solicitor within the real estate public sector team - assisting solicitors on tasks such as drafting applications and organising documents for large transactions

7/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

yes

8/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

It is extremely demanding with a constant pressure with regards to performing at work and academically

5/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

It has improved over the years but could definitely do better. There is a lack of consistency between the pressures the law school state, what the apprentice experiences and what the firm understands. Knowledge of the actual experience of the apprenticeship should come from the apprentice and not from the perceived experience of the law school.

4/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

Day to day management support in regards to the work but minimal in regards to apprenticeship time management.

4/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

standard 2 hour tutorial a week. There could be much improved communication with regards to timelines and expectations of work to complete the apprenticeship.

5/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

very much even with the experience given from the firm. As we do not study what we practice in, it may only become relevant if we were to work in that practice area.

7/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

minimal due to time pressures

5/10

9a. Would you recommend DWF Law LLP to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

Offers a route to qualification with experience and no debt.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to DWF Law LLP?

know exactly what you are going into