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The introduction of the school leaver legal apprenticeship has been a game changer in the legal industry. For the first time, college leavers can qualify as a solicitor with a wealth of hands-on experience and without university debt. With the ability to earn whilst you learn, competition for these apprenticeships has grown.
Whether you are a prospective applicant for the programme, or just want some application advice, here are a few tips to help you through the process
Research
Before applying, it is always important to research the firm to ensure both the firm and the route to qualification is right for you. Some aspiring solicitors may prefer the university route, whilst others may want the practical experience. It is important to decide what suits you best before you commit to the application process.
Research will also help you during the application and interview process. It shows that you have a genuine interest in the firm, are committed to starting your career there and shows alignment to the firm’s goals and values.
Additionally, building commercial awareness by staying informed about current affairs and the business landscape is key. It not only helps you understand the wider context, but some interview questions may require commercial awareness.
Experience
Having legal experience can be seen as valuable, as it directly relates to the role you will be applying for. This could include sitting in the public gallery in court, shadowing lawyers or attending an insight event.
If you don’t have legal experience, don’t worry, because we believe all experience is good experience. What is important is that you can identify transferable skills from your experiences and relate them to the role. This shows how you have developed your skills and considered how they will help you perform in your future career.
Some examples of transferable skills could include communication, collaboration and time management. These can be developed through a variety of jobs including retail, hospitality and sports.
Writing a good application
The first part of the application process is the written application, which includes questions that could relate to the firm and the apprenticeship. It is best to start early, so that you have enough time to build and refine your application with little stress. Michelmores does not review applications on a rolling basis so this should allow you to take your time.
It is important to consider what the questions are asking. Your response must answer the question you have been asked clearly whilst being concise. Use your experiences to support your answers, and your research to show off your knowledge of the firm and the programme.
Before submitting, make sure you thoroughly review your application. It’s helpful to ask someone else to review your application so that every spelling mistake or punctuation error is picked up.
It’s important you answer the questions thoroughly, and use the word count you are given. Don’t limit your chances of being successful because an assessor can see you haven’t put much time into your application.
Mastering the interview
For most people, the interview is the most nerve-racking stage. However, your interview is a chance to stand out from other candidates, show off your skills and your ability to communicate effectively. You will likely be asked strength based and scenario questions, as well as questions relating to your commercial awareness.
Prepare for your interview by going through practice questions. Consider what you have already shared during previous stages of the application process. Anything that you haven’t shared and want to, you can highlight in your interview.
Try and treat the interview as a normal conversation: stay calm, speak clearly and if you don’t understand a question, ask for it to be repeated. This will allow you to answer the question to the best of your ability. It’s ok to pause before you start answering the question so you can think about your answer.
Use welcoming and positive body language, such as eye contact and good posture to show that you are actively listening. I suggest preparing some questions to ask at the end of the interview as this shows engagement, interest and continues the conversation between you and the interviewers.
The Assessment Day
An assessment day often includes a group task where you and other applicants work on a small project together. This is designed to test your ability to work well within a team and collaborate.
It is important that you talk to all your fellow applicants and include them in the discussion. You may be tempted to lead the conversation and talk a lot, but this is not always the best thing to do. You must listen to your fellow candidates, take on board their ideas and build on them. It is also extremely important to be your authentic self, as the assessors will be looking for this.
The group task will have a time limit, so utilise your time management skills and keep track of timings. It can help to create a small plan at the start of the task. Much like with the interview, consider your body language and the impression it is giving.
Other top tips:
- Attend the events the firms are running as you’ll gain a better insight and more knowledge
- Put time into your applications and use the word count. Don’t apply to every firm and put in no effort as this won’t get you far
- If you have questions reach out to the Early Careers Team
- If you aren’t successful in the later stages of the process, make sure you ask for feedback so you know how you can improve next time
Whilst the application process may seem daunting, I hope some of these tips put your mind at ease and will enable you to perform your best.
For more information on our School Leaver Legal Apprenticeship and other routes into law, please visit our early careers page here.