To recognise this year’s celebration, we asked some questions about her legal apprenticeship:
How did you find out about the Solicitor Apprentice route?
It was Hallett & Co who brought my attention to the apprenticeship and what it had to offer. I knew that legal apprenticeships existed but was not aware to this level. I did a lot of research into the solicitor apprenticeship route and spoke with the apprenticeship team at the University of Law. With the guidance of the university and the support of Hallett & Co, I began the apprenticeship in September 2018.
What was it that made you want to do the apprenticeship?
The combination of studying whilst also working and learning within the workplace seemed to make a lot of sense to me. I can study with university and then put what I have learnt into practice at work. I find that this really helps to strengthen my knowledge and understanding of what I have learnt. Not only that, but the practical experience I gain within the workplace is invaluable for my future career.
What do you study as part of your apprenticeship?
I am studying towards an LLB in Law (Legal Practice and Skills). I study a whole range of modules such as Contract Law, Tort, Criminal Law, Land Law etc. I am also working towards the new Solicitors Qualifying Exams (SQE) so I am able to qualify as a solicitor at the end of the apprenticeship.
How often do you have to study? How do you best manage your time?
The apprenticeship is a full time 5 day a week course: 80% work and 20% study and training. I therefore work in the office 4 days a week and study 1 day a week. The university estimates that to stay on track you need to be studying 12-15 hours per week. This means that in addition to my study day I often need to work additional hours in the evenings or weekend. The work is definitely manageable as long as you stay organised and on top of it. To manage my time, I diarise all university deadlines and have a timetable for each module to ensure I have enough time to fit all my studying in. This then allows me to not worry about missing deadlines and stay focused on the tasks at hand when in the workplace.
What do you enjoy about working at Hallett & Co?
I enjoy working alongside experienced professionals who can assist me not only with my legal knowledge but also guide me with the practical aspects of the job. A lot of the team at Hallett & Co have invaluable experience in their specialised areas of law and can teach me how to apply my knowledge to practical tasks. Hallett & Co are a friendly team and are always happy to assist me through the apprenticeship and aid my learning and understanding. I feel the firm are there to support and guide me through my journey.
What advice would you give to others considering an apprenticeship?
I would advise anybody considering an apprenticeship to definitely look into what is on offer. The gov.uk website has a wide range of information that can assist you. If you are already working within the sector you wish to have an apprenticeship in, there are often courses available for you to start and it may be worth you carrying out your own research then speaking with your employers. I wish everyone good luck with their apprenticeship journeys.
