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Welcome to the exciting world of being an apprentice! You’re stepping into a role that combines being a full-time legal professional with the part-time responsibilities of a student. We’ve been there and thankfully completed the first two years of the apprenticeship – it can be a balancing act, but with the right approach, you’ll soon find your rhythm.
Top study tips
- University Platform – You will be given a login for the training provider’s education platform and your study days will be based here. You can access the streaming rooms to join your lectures, the modules for each term and the units for each week. I would suggest accessing this via a laptop or iPad/tablet to maximise its use.
- Emails – You will have a university email inbox. I would suggest you check this weekly to ensure that you do not miss any updates e.g. change of streaming room, deadlines, and your results.
- Device – You could look to use your work laptop as your main study device, so you have everything you need in one place. However, this is personal preference and using a personal device would optimise your study days ensuring no distractions from work, so it’s good to know you could opt for either!
- Assignments/deadlines – Each unit will have assignments in line with your learning. They are referred to as ‘SUT’s. It is a great way to apply your learning and gain valuable feedback, so it is important to complete these! If you do miss one due to annual leave or illness, don’t panic, just keep your university contact informed. If this is the case, make sure to attempt it even though it may not be marked, it is good practice!
- Reading – In each unit, your ‘prep’ section will include reading available on the online library service provided by the university and you’ll be set targets/objectives in line with the reading. I have found it helpful and time effective to make use of these and take notes as I go. This ensures that I don’t miss key points or spend too much time reading the less effective parts of the text.
- Student Services – Make use of the student services available to join sessions or book 1:1 meetings to help you on areas you may struggle with. This could be referencing, essay writing, note taking, etc.
- Review Meetings – Ensure you turn up to your meetings prepared. Make sure all of the necessary online forms are filled out and be prepared to share what you have been learning and doing within your role. I would suggest making a list for your first couple of reviews and ensure you familiarise yourself with the online tracker too. These meetings will be beneficial for checking the evidence you have gathered.
General tips during your apprenticeship
1. Managing Your Time Is Key
Studying law part-time doesn’t mean it’s half as hard. In fact, your university deadlines somehow always land on the busiest week at work. Coincidence, I think not. The key is to plan and get a head start on assignments. Treat your study days like gold dust. The more proactive you are, the better your chances of staying in control when everything gets busier. Small progress beats last-minute panic every time.
Tip: Break assignments into smaller tasks to make them more manageable.
2. Master the art of the polite email chase
You’ll spend a lot of time chasing replies than you’d expect. Whether it’s waiting on client documents, external information, or someone to answer a question – knowing how to follow up politely is a survival skill. Be professional, concise and don’t be afraid to reference deadlines.
Tip: A well-worded nudge can speed things up without sounding pushy. Save your best follow up emails as templates.
3. Find your team’s ‘go-to’ person and cling to them
There’s always one person in every office who seems to know everything; where the precedents live, and how to phrase that tricky email. Find them and absorb their wisdom like a sponge. The knowledge they have is invaluable, and they’re often more than happy to share.
Tip: I know I said cling, but not actually. Be curious and make sure to do your own research before asking for help. People are more likely to help when you show genuine interest and respect their time but also try to find the answer yourself.
4. Take notes. On everything. Always.
You might think you’ll remember everything. You won’t. Whether it’s something your tutor mentioned about breach of contract or the partner who gave you a tip on legal research, write it down. Your future self will thank you when you need to refer to it.
Tip: Keep a notebook, use OneNote or start a running doc of “Stuff I should probably remember.” This will save you time second-guessing or digging through old emails.
5. Seek support when you need it
There is NO prize for struggling in silence. This is what university, other apprentices and supervisors are there for. Most people would rather answer a quick question or walk you through a task than untangle a major mistake. If you are stuck and you have tried to find the answer, ask, that’s how you grow.
Tip: Use the resources and support networks available to you to overcome challenges and build a solid foundation for your future career.
6. Celebrate small wins
Some days you’ll feel like you’re absolutely smashing it, and some days you won’t. Don’t wait for your results to feel accomplished. Celebrate the small wins: finishing a task early, getting positive feedback, or just surviving a tough day. You’re juggling a lot, give yourself grace.
Tip: Keep a note of your wins. On days you feel behind, you’ll have proof you’re actually doing great.