Apprenticeship scheme: The highs, lows and everything in between

My first experience as an apprentice was quite intimidating. After completing my A-Levels and successfully applying for DWF's apprenticeship scheme, my supervisor arranged an introductory meeting.

Upon entering the building I was directed to the lifts, launching me up to 32^nd floor where I was met with far-reaching views over London. Throughout the office tour, all I could concentrate on was attempting to walk in my newly purchased heels. I watched in envy as my supervisor took confident strides across the office floor in her stilettos whilst I wobbled along, feeling very out of place.

I chose an apprenticeship for a number of reasons. I found myself at a crossroads after sixth form. I had aspirations of furthering my academic and professional qualifications. I liked humanity subjects and arguing my case in essays, so a career in law seemed suitable.

However, the rising fees associated with attending university and lack of a guarantee of a training contract were a concern. Therefore, I was attracted to the DWF apprentice scheme.

The solicitor apprenticeship was a completely new route to qualification when I started in 2016, DWF was one of the first firms to adopt the scheme.

The DWF paralegal and solicitor apprenticeships consisted of one study day and four days working in the office, over a seven-year combined course.

This meant that I could start earning a salary and work in London whilst continuing with my education. I would obtain a law degree and take the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) to qualify as a solicitor.

The benefits

The apprenticeship has provided many benefits. I have been able to directly apply the knowledge obtained in my degree modules to my everyday role, providing a greater sense of relevance to my studies.

When joining the trainee cohort for my final seat rotations, my prior experience meant that I already had a good level of knowledge of the teams available and could choose seats and secondments which suited my strengths.

I can't say that I particularly enjoyed finessing my bundle making skills (or the associated paper cuts and late nights spent at the photocopier), however, I have had many noteworthy experiences. Highlights include attending the Royal Courts of Justice for various trials, assisting on a high value international arbitration and interacting with CEOs and in-house legal teams whilst undertaking client secondments at Lloyds Banking Group and Markel Insurance Company.

Some have commented that I haven't had the typical university student experience, but I don’t feel like I have 'missed out'.

I met my now husband because, when I was new to the role I was introduced to him, he worked in my building and offered to show me around the city. A very close colleague, who joined the firm when I started the apprenticeship, was the one holding up my dress train so I could dance the night away at my wedding.

My apprenticeship has been a defining experience and an integral part of my life.

The challenges

It is well known that a career in law can be challenging and the apprenticeship route is no different. There have been times where I have found it difficult to manage studying and working. My commutes into London were used to read over lecture notes and weekends were often spent revising for my end of module exams.

In the last year of the apprenticeship – on top of continuing with my seat rotations and completing the SQE exams – I successfully interviewed to permanently join the London market and global risks team and submitted the equivalent of a dissertation to obtain my law degree.

The SQE exams are relatively new and there is little information about them available. SQE1 consists of two five-hour exams, covering an extensive range of topics. SQE2 consists of sixteen practical legal skills assessments.

To ensure I was prepared for the exams I would start revising at 5am, complete a normal working day and revise again in the evenings until 11pm.

I found the SQE period incredibly stressful, however, I was lucky that my team were very supportive throughout the process.

The apprenticeship is still a fairly new scheme and I believe that improvements could be made to reduce the pressure on apprentices in those final years.

Reflections

Completing the scheme and passing my SQE exams has felt like a huge achievement. I believe that I made the right decision by choosing an apprenticeship, which has combined academic rigour, practical experience and provided me with the opportunity to obtain a highly regarded professional qualification.

I’ve built a vast professional network over the last seven years, which I hope will provide me with a competitive edge as I progress. The scheme has also improved my personal resilience and I’m now better equipped to deal with the more demanding aspects of a career in law.

I spoke to Paul Maddock, dispute resolution and graduate director at DWF and a member of the Law Society’s LGBTQ+ Solicitors Network, about my experience.

He said he is so proud of my achievements during my apprenticeship, 'resulting in her recently qualifying as a solicitor in our Insurance division and being one of the first solicitor apprentices in the country to qualify. At DWF we are keen to support our employees to reach their full potential, encouraging candidates to consider the various pathways to qualification, and fully recommend those looking at their career options to consider the apprenticeship pathway as Holly did.'

I’m no longer quite so apprehensive walking into snazzy offices and feel self-assured in my abilities. I’ll be attending my Law Society admissions ceremony this summer where the dress code will be 'business attire.'

My shoe collection has grown over the years, but instead of worrying about walking in my heels, I will be focusing on my achievements and confidently striding into the next chapter of my career as a newly qualified solicitor in the City of London.

 

Holly O’Brien is a solicitor at DWF