We asked Anna Hall, a solicitor apprentice some questions:
Can you tell us a bit about your background and what motivated you to pursue a career as a solicitor apprentice?
I was interested in law at A Level and my tutor inspired me at high school so much. He sparked my interest to learn and I didn’t look back. I knew I wanted to apply for an apprenticeship and I am so fortunate that I found my fit at Schofield Sweeney.
How do you balance your work responsibilities with the educational components of your apprenticeship?
Study days are away from the office so I have an entire day to study and prepare for lectures. I set myself different goals for work and study days, this helps me sperate which task I am completing.
Can you describe a typical day at the firm and the types of tasks you’re involved in?
I have to be quite adaptable because my seat is in a diverse area (Environmental and Regulatory). My tasks range from drafting letters, taking client calls and creating file notes. I also work on some contentious work and research. I have also had the opportunity to go to court on criminal matters for a client.
What are some of the most challenging aspects of your role, and how have you overcome them?
Workload is intense sometimes. Managing my deadlines is something I have worked on because my work comes from several different people. I overcame it by communicating and collaborating regularly with my supervisor and colleagues. I had high expectations to be competent and efficient straight away. I learned that was unrealistic and had to be more practical about what I could achieve in the first few months of my apprenticeship.
What skills have you found most crucial in your role as a solicitor apprentice, and how have you developed them?
Attention to detail and accuracy is so important – being able to concentrate, slow down and focus on the finer details are skills I have used and still building on, my confidence is growing every day.
Have you had any mentors during your apprenticeship, and how have they contributed to your journey?
My supervisor and colleagues in the department have given me such useful feedback, this has helped me develop my skills in a short space of time. I feel like I can contribute to the team and feel valued. My fellow apprentices are a great support network.
Where do you see yourself in the next five years, and how do you plan to achieve your career goals?
I’ll be preparing for my SQE exams in 5 years time. Pulling on my years of learning and experience from my experience at Schofield Sweeney and studying for my qualifying exams. Our internal training programme helps me to prepare for this, along with the support we get from the in-house L&D Specialist.
What advice would you give to someone considering a solicitor apprenticeship in the UK?
Be confident in yourself and put your best foot forward. Make sure you are yourself and come across the way you truly are. Look into what the firm is all about; the firm’s values and if they align with yours. You might not know where you want to qualify, but look at what the firm offers in terms of practice areas.
We asked Paige Hunt, a solicitor apprentice some questions:
Can you tell us a bit about your background and what motivated you to pursue a career as a solicitor apprentice?
I come from a career driven household and had a lot of female driven motivation at home. I was very fortunate that my Mum encouraged me to invest in my education who supported me to pursue a career in law. I am from a working class background where I was encouraged to aim high and prioritise my career.
How do you balance your work responsibilities with the educational components of your apprenticeship?
It can be difficult but I always make sue I allocate time for both work and study quite strictly and always make sure I have some time for myself outside of work. You can’t perform to a high standard if you are not balanced.
Can you describe a typical day at the firm and the types of tasks you’re involved in?
I tend to come into the office at 9am, check emails and create a to do list, – then make a cuppa! I work through the list and shift things around depending on what is going on that day – I sit in a Corporate seat at the moment, so completions can become urgent as deadlines approach. I always make sure I don’t overwhelm my list and keep it to a manageable level. My tasks include drafting legal documents and correspondence with clients and holding meetings with clients or my supervisor. I am also part of the ESG group so attend monthly and meetings and contribute to arranging charitable fundraising events.
What are some of the most challenging aspects of your role, and how have you overcome them?
The biggest challenge is getting the balance right to maintain a work-life balance. The apprenticeship is demanding which means I have to schedule my study time and also make sure I take enough down time to recharge. Fortunately, I’m an organised person, so I just have to make sure I stick to my schedule.
What skills have you found most crucial in your role as a solicitor apprentice, and how have you developed them?
Prioritisation for sure! First of all learning to identify what a priority is and building resilience when work gets busy. This is something I have learned over time, but I do get a lot of support from colleagues and my supervisor. I try to stay optimistic and think about coming though the other side and a qualified lawyer, knowing the hard work I have put in has been worth it.
Have you had any mentors during your apprenticeship, and how have they contributed to your journey?
I have and they have impacted my journey so much. Establishing a good connection and trust with my supervisor has made it easier to ask for help and receive feedback so I can grow and develop.
Where do you see yourself in the next five years, and how do you plan to achieve your career goals?
In my qualifying department at Schofield Sweeney with a supportive network and building long lasting professional relationships. Finding my feet in a professional role as a lawyer. I know the only way to get there is to keep working hard and by putting myself out there to take opportunities to build my professional relationships. I’m fortunate that apprentices have a lot of technical and emotional support at Schofield Sweeney, so watch this space!
What advice would you give to someone considering a solicitor apprenticeship in the UK?
Do your research into the firm you are applying for. As much as you want to fit to the firm, the firm has to fit with you. Also, getting along with your cohort is important as they are your support system for the next 6 years.