Solicitor Apprentice Review

Day to day tasks vary but generally, I spend four days per week working in a law firm supporting the team with a variety of tasks like drafting and reviewing legal documents, carrying out legal research and participating in charity fundraising. One day per week is spent studying at ULaw.

I have learnt and developed so many skills since I started including: Professional communication and drafting, attention to detail, public speaking or presenting, organisation/planning, flexibility -and resilience. These skills have developed through on the job tasks as well as through my university studies and corporate social responsibility/charity work.

I enjoy the programme so much that I can’t see myself doing anything different. I am genuinely satisfied by the work that I do and the progress that I am making. The opportunities that have been opened up to me since starting have been outstanding and have shaped who I am today.

The programme is well organised and tailored well so that my studies complement my on the job training and seat rotations as much as possible. For example, I worked within the personal injury team whilst studying tort law, and I now work in the real estate transactions team at the same time as studying land law and real estate law. There is a well structured pastoral support network and also a team specific support system in place and I always know where to go depending on the query/issue I have or type of support needed.

I feel that the firm supports my personal and professional development as well as my well-being through regular check-ins with the early talent team as well as team based check ins with my supervisor, where workload, professional goals and wellbeing are discussed. The firm wholly supports the apprenticeship scheme and even when moving teams as I progress through my apprenticeship I have found that each team has understood and respected my study day and its importance. The work given to me is manageable, suitable to my capabilities and my workload is well monitored and manageable.

ULaw provide a skills coach to each apprentice and they run regular check ins to discuss work based and degree based progress and any concerns or issues. The course is mostly well organised and well structured. There are a range of resources available to suit different learning styles and exam skills workshops are run to support with preparation for assessments.

Within the skills coach check-ins, we are constantly discussing the on the job training and skills developed and gathering evidences for portfolios to submit upon qualification. Each new skill or task we learn is matched up with one of the SRA competencies and we record this from an early stage to ensure we are getting the right on the job experience.

There are multiple different diversity networks to get involved with as well as charity committees, office sports teams and networking events within the city. For example, I am a member of the charity committee and have helped to organise and take part in various local community fundraising such as the Sheffield Legal walk and an in office bake sale. I am also part of the committee that is currently arranging this years’ trainee and apprentice charity ball which is held every year in London.

Yes

CMS have embraced the apprenticeship route to qualifying as a solicitor and there are now dozens of apprentices across different offices in the UK. The firm is inclusive and provides brilliant opportunities internally and externally. The firm understands what we as apprentices need by way of support and experience to thrive and grow to become brilliant at what we do. CMS are future facing meaning that they are always looking for new, innovative ways to grow and provide excellent service to their clients. My experience has been really positive so far and I feel fully supported by the firm.

Make sure you understand who CMS are and what they have to offer. How do their values resonate with you? Understand your own strengths and skills and how you can use these to thrive in a career at CMS.