Solicitor Apprenticeship

How did you get started?  
  
I attended my local Sixth Form and studied A-Levels in Maths, Politics and Sociology. After doing so, I began studying law at university, before quickly realising that it wasn’t the path for me. 

I researched further into apprenticeships, deciding the structure suited me better and was fortunate enough to obtain a place on the apprenticeship programme to start in the September. I therefore completed my first year at university and decided not to go back. That was a year ago now and I haven’t looked back!  
  
Why did you choose Irwin Mitchell?  
  
I chose Irwin Mitchell for my apprenticeship because it offered exposure to practice areas which suited my interests and an environment well suited to me.   
  
I have always known that my interest didn’t lie in services for businesses and instead lied in services for individuals. Therefore, when an opportunity in the Cambridge office was advertised, I thought it was well suited to me, being an office focused solely on individual client legal services. The structure of the solicitor apprenticeship at Irwin Mitchell also differs from lots of the other firm’s offering apprenticeships, offering an opportunity to gain experience in one practice area, by being based in one core team.  
  
Beyond the apprenticeship offering, having spoken to individuals at the firm, it became clear that the training and support provided was of a good quality, which I felt especially important entering the profession at entry level. I chose the firm because of its genuine commitment to widening access to the legal profession—evident in its social mobility work experience programme, grade requirements and its inclusive approach to legal careers through a wide apprenticeship offering and recognising alternate pathways such as apprenticeships and chartered legal executives.  
   
What do you like best about your job?  
 
I really enjoy seeing how the work we do makes a tangible difference by following cases through each stage. It’s incredibly rewarding to work alongside case handlers and witness a case reach settlement for a client. While no settlement can ever truly compensate for the diagnosis they’ve received, I believe it offers some comfort in knowing their families will be financially supported.  
  
I also appreciate the collaborative nature of my role. Day to day, I work closely with colleagues to progress matters, and I find this team approach suits me well.  
  
What do you do on a day-to-day basis?  
  
Day to day, I work alongside colleague to assist with progressing legal claims on behalf of our clients. My typical tasks involve:  

• Preparing witness statements  
• Company research  
• Reviewing medical records   
• Liaising with experts   
• Preparing legal documents   
• Looking at quantification of cases.  

How does the graduate/apprentice scheme work?  
  
My apprenticeship is approximately six years. During the first four years, I work four days a week and have a dedicated study-day, whereby I work towards my undergraduate Law LLB. Thereon, my study day will be spent working towards my SQE exams. After which point, I will be a fully qualified solicitor.   

My contract is a permanent contract, meaning I am guaranteed a newly qualified position with the firm after completing my apprenticeship. It’s nice to have that security, especially given how competitive the industry is.  
  
What skills are important for your role? What advice would you have for someone starting out?  
  
The main piece of advice I’d give is to be confident and curious. I’ve not had any experience of colleagues expecting me to know the answer first time, people are happy to explain things and help you learn. I think it’s really valued when you ask questions and are proactive when working. 

Remember that all feedback is valuable and that negative feedback is not a personal criticism, instead something to help you improve. Don’t be disheartened when you get things wrong and always be willing to take on feedback received.  
  
How are you supported in your role?  
  
I receive support from my team, specifically my line manager, who can assist with any work queries or concerns. I also have a dedicated coach at my university. My coach, line manager and I have quarterly catchups.  
  
Beyond structured support, everyone I’ve spoken to has always been willing to help wherever they can with my learning, which has been really valuable.  
  
How is the work/life balance?  
  
I have found the work/life balance to be relatively good. I think working full-time whilst studying for a degree is always difficult but have found my team to always be supportive. My study day is protected each week, with no expectation for me to work on this day. There’s support within the company available, should I feel I need it.  
                                                                                                                  
What makes it such a great place to work?  
  
I think the collaborative nature of the working at Irwin Mitchell, and the support with training is what makes it such a great place to work. Whilst being a full-service law firm with offices across the country, the firm still manages to maintain a friendly and collaborate working environment.   
  
Irwin Mitchell also cares about its people, offering flexible working policies with allow people to have successful careers alongside home responsibilities. I have benefitted myself from such policies which have helped with caring responsibilities and have seen how colleagues have also utilised the policy.