Solicitor Apprentice Review

Assisting to run medical negligence legal cases. This involves drafting documents and letters, speaking with clients, experts and barristers (alongside other legal professionals), preparing instructions to barristers, experts and quantum analysts and being the first point of contact for new client enquiries.

Yes, my drafting skills have definitely improved, I have learned about case progression and case analysis. I have also been working closely with my team to improve my confidence in public speaking.

I enjoy the variety and complexity of the work that I do, I work really well with my team and have opportunities to learn. There is sometimes a bit of a disconnect between the day job (case work) and the apprenticeship itself.

There is sometimes a disconnect between my day job and the apprenticeship itself. When starting the programme information wasn't shared well and it was very much a 'figure it out as we go exercise'. There were teething problems with the learning provider at the outset, things were delayed which meant progression onto the course was all then last minute with a lot of repetitive enrollment tasks. Some of the steps taken were convoluted. The clear plan for the apprenticeship over the coming years is still unknown, where as some of my peers at other firms had a clearer indication of how the apprenticeship would unfold. Sometimes we are only informed by the learning provider of meetings at very short notice which isn't workable when also working 4 out of 5 days per week.

The firm are incredible supportive. The apprentice manager, is particularly helpful. He shows a genuine interest in seeing us progress, he is always responsive to any questions we have and he is keen to hear our feedback to improve the apprenticeship and actively works to feed this back to the learning provider. I wouldn't feel nearly as confident in moving forward with the apprenticeship if it weren't for him and I am incredibly grateful for his support. Our earlier careers team are also on hand if needed or if he isnt available. My line manager is also very supportive they consider the skills I need to work on as part of my apprenticeship and are on hand to support my general wellbeing also. On the basis of how supportive the firm are as a whole I would (and do) recommend apprenticeships to anyone who asks me about them.

We have our skills coach who is on hand to provide support, my coach is very practical and provides tips to assist. There are also teams to help with focus on maximizing study times which is incredibly helpful. The programme lead, is also very helpful and provides us with regular e-mail updates. I don't feel that the support for study is at the same level, it is often confusing to figure our which lecturer we need to contact and when I have reached out for support my e-mails have been unanswered.

The programme has different skills than what I understand is on a usual LLB programme, these reflect the daily tasks we do and will do as solicitors which I find much more helpful. The feedback provided from tutors is also incredibly helpful and works towards developing my confidence. Overall I feel that the programme is excellently structures and works towards my goal of being a solicitor by developing my skills along the way.

Yes, we have a social committee who organises regular events, a junior lawyers club who arrange events for junior members of the team alongside general team events. I am also encouraged to take part in volunteering activities such as mentoring school children, sporting / other events for charities. I do feel that it would be nice to have some more events for the apprentices, the apprenticeship doesn't have the same feel of solidarity as the trainee solicitor cohorts seem to.

Yes

Irwin Mitchell show clearly and enthusiastically a genuine desire to see people develop to be the best they can be, they promote and support healthy working practices to maintain good mental health and offer support if there is any declining mental health. There is a strong sense of team and the people I work with daily and less frequently are all incredible. I feel confident that if there were any problems someone would be there to help and support me.

Utilise all the resources that are available to you, the bar is high but the firm offer a lot in return. Consider the firms values and if this aligns with you and the way that you work, it's a huge part of everyday working and practice. Don't underestimate the value of teamwork and how non legal experience can show the skills that are being looked for.