Solicitor Apprentice Review

My role includes assisting lawyers on transactions. I currently work in a Banking team where we act for borrower/lender. I manage/have responsibility over the transaction and roll out documents that we need to provide or chase them (depending on whether I am on lender/borrower side). I send emails within my team and to external clients/lawyers and sometimes call them. I draft documents a lot and also review drafts.

I have learnt how to draft documents completely from scratch. This is a skill I have developed from day 1 and still do to this day. My verbal and written communication skills have developed by constantly communicating as part of my job. I also get to experience how other professionals communicate and can use this for my own development and implement it into my style.

I have enjoyed my programme thoroughly. I have been given the responsibility required to challenge myself and learn new things. I have learnt a tremendous amount in the few months I have been at the firm.

I would say my programme is mostly structured and organised. CMS have a lot of apprentices so many people are aware of the expectations of an apprentice and can give me fair amounts of work without pushing myself too hard.

I receive a lot of support for things work related, education related and personal things.

I receive support where needed.

My qualifications and studies do not necessarily help me to perform better in my role. My studies are all theoretical and not relevant to the current type of work that I do. Although, the skills I gain from my qualification and studies are very helpful.

There are so many extra-curricular activities and networks to get involved in.

Yes

I've had a great experience and not only has it been fun, I have grown and developed a lot. I've done interesting and challenging work that gets the best out of me and allows me to utilise and develop my skills and new ones.

Know the firm very well. Align your interests to what the firm does and talk about this. Understand what your responsibilities would be for the position you are applying for and link your skills/characteristics to this.