Solicitor Apprentice Review

My role is to assist solicitors, associates, directors and partners with their files which includes preparing court bundles, drafting court documents and liaising with counsel’s clerk, clients, the courts and the other side’s legal representative. I have also been given the opportunity to attend trials and settlement meetings.

I have massively improved my confidence in this apprenticeship and also my communication skills, both in writing and verbally. I have also started to develop the way a litigator thinks, such as tactics and arguments you can use against the other side which has been very useful.

I really enjoy my apprenticeship and it is definitely the right route for me as opposed to the traditional university route. It can be tough especially around exams, but I have had a great level of support and feel like a valued member of the team.

There has been quite a few changes as the programme as developed so not everything has gone plain sailing. However, that is to be expected because of how new the route is and being my firm’s first cohort of apprentices and sitting the SQE. Now that we are almost part way through the programme, things seem a bit more settled.

I receive a great amount of support from my firm - my supervisors and the team in general along with the apprenticeship manager when it comes to queries regarding my programme itself.

I receive a good amount of support from my training provider when it comes to studying. I receive updates when new information is released regarding my exams and any queries I have regarding my portfolio I can ask and get a quick response.

I have often found that for most modules I have sat in a team that undertakes similar work to the module that I am studying at the time, which has been really helpful in terms of developing my knowledge.

The firm fund the cost of joining the MTSG (Manchester Trainee Solicitors Group) who organise various networking events which are fun and social. We also have a CSR team where there are lots of opportunities to join in fundraising activities, such as fitness challenges, raffles and donations. There is also a few sports teams to join, such as netball and rugby.

Yes

I have had a great apprenticeship so far and I particularly like the fact that the firm does seat rotations for their apprentices as well, as it provides a through all round experience.

DWF are very much enthusiastic about innovation and technology, so if this is one of your passions then I would definitely showcase this in your application/interview.