Solicitor Apprentice Review

I currently work in the derivatives team in the Manchester office which involves drafting documents (such as ISDAs, CSAs, Amendment Agreements, etc), negotiation with counterparties (mostly via email) and assisting associates with their own individual matters, such as preparing execution bundles. There is also project work, reporting and compliance work involved.

Yes, I have developed many new skills and also developed existing skills. These include my communication skills. I used to be terrified of picking up the phone and now it has almost become second nature. My confidence has also greatly improved whilst I have been at BCLP as well as my attention to detail.

I very much enjoy my programme,. I get to experience different areas of law including Core Real Estate, Real Estate Finance, Post Completion, Derivatives, etc. There is a variety of different work in all these teams so it helps us decide what type of work we like and don't like and the members of the team are always very friendly.

At the beginning it wasn't very organised however, now there is a very clear structure and pathway including seat rotations and rotating into the trainee cohort. It is very helpful to know there is a structure in place however, the managers are also very understanding and flexible should you request a certain team.

There is a lot of support available from our employer. There are many programmes they run especially for wellbeing. You also have the opportunity to become a mental health first aider (which I am) which means you also get to help others. I am very satisfied with the amount of support I receive.

The amount of support we receive is not great. For example many of the tutors at our training provider tend to take annual leave around exam time which limits the amount of avilability you have with certain members of staff, which can make an already stressful exam time even more stressful.

Some of the modules we take with our training provider have nothing to do with the area of law that we are in however, there are a couple of modules that directly relate to what we do on a day-to-day basis which is helpful. But some modules we are given (i.e. professional conduct is not as helpful).

Yes, there is always something to get involved it be it in social activities (i.e. team drinks/meals or Christmas parties) or Corporate Social Responsibility, which involves a lot of charity work and volunteering for local charities. We also have a culture team who put on events for different religious festivals.

Yes

BCLP has a great diverse and inclusive staff and the variety of work you get is top level including the amount of responsibility you receive very early on in your career. However, it is not without its challenges like every law firm. You have to put the work in but it is worth it.

Be honest in your application process but also don't be afraid to big yourself up. Any little thing helps such as a summer job you had when you were a teenager to any volunteering work you have done. Also be mindful that you have to be prepared to work hard and sometimes do long hours.