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When I started my legal apprenticeship, I had a head full of questions and no clue what to expect. Now, as a second-year apprentice, I’ve learned a lot about the apprenticeship programme and can reflect back on what I wish I had known before becoming an apprentice. If you’re thinking about applying for a law apprenticeship, here’s what I wish I knew before day one.
What a law apprenticeship actually is
A law apprenticeship is a pathway that combines practical work experience with academic study. Instead of going down the traditional university route, you work in a law firm four days a week while studying towards a qualification one day a week.
The school leaver legal apprenticeship offered at Michelmores is a six-year Level 7 solicitor apprenticeship. By the end of the programme you’ll have gained a law degree, completed the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE), gained your Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) and be in a position to become a qualified solicitor. The apprenticeship gives you the opportunity to work, earn and learn all at the same time and qualify without incurring the cost of going to university. You will get into the workplace sooner and get to start building your connections and professional network right away.
The biggest benefit? You’re gaining real-world experience from day one. You’re not just learning theory—you’re applying it in practice.
Common misconceptions
Before I started, I had heard a few myths that turned out to be completely wrong such as “you’ll only do admin tasks” and “it’s easier than university” or “you won’t have a social life”. While these assumptions are based on aspects of the course, they are misconceptions. Yes, there’s admin, but you will also get involved in meaningful legal work from the beginning. You will be completing tasks such as drafting documents, attending client meetings, and supporting cases.
The apprenticeship provides you with the opportunity to start and progress your career, but it isn’t easier than going to university. You will need to work hard to secure an apprenticeship position and then throughout the apprenticeship to balance work and study, which is certainly challenging. Time management is absolutely key when you have multiple areas of focus and deadlines for both study and work. Finally, while it is busy and demanding you can still have a social life, it is all about planning and prioritising your time to suit you and ensure you maintain a work life balance.
What I wish I knew before starting
Firstly, during my time at Michelmores as an apprentice, I wish I knew that time management is everything. Juggling deadlines for work and study can feel overwhelming at first. Finding a system that works for you is crucial, for me this is to-do lists where I can track my work progression and tasks’ priority however calendars, organisers or whatever system keeps you on track is just as effective.
Secondly, ask questions early and often, no one expects you to know everything or be an expert, they will understand that you are there to learn. Your colleagues want you to succeed, so use their experience and speak up. It is better to have asked that silly question and complete the work well then have to go back and make amends because you weren’t sure.
Thirdly, networking matters, build relationships with your team and other apprentices. These connections will support you throughout your career and help build a work environment where you can feel a part of the team. Don’t limit this to just at your firm getting involved in networking events is a great way to widen your connections and branch out to new opportunities.
Finally, it is okay to feel overwhelmed at first, the first couple of months of every seat can feel difficult but there is a learning curve, and you just need to give yourself time to adjust. Patience is key as long as you keep working hard you will get there, so forgive yourself for not knowing and making mistakes as it is all a part of learning.
Final takeaway
My key takeaway is that to be a legal apprentice means to be your own advocate, you can thrive in this role if you take advantage of the support system given to you. Ask questions, make notes and get involved. There will be ups and downs but by prioritising your own journey and development you will get the most out of your apprenticeship.