Would you please start by briefly sharing your background and journey into law?
Yes, of course. I come from a low-income, immigrant household and originally planned to study psychology or music. Halfway through, I changed my mind and decided to study law instead, partly because of injustices I had experienced. I am very happy with that decision, although rewriting my personal statement from psychology to law was chaotic.
What shaped your decision to undertake a solicitor apprenticeship instead of the traditional route?
Before sixth form, I did not know apprenticeships existed. When I moved schools, they actively encouraged apprenticeships, but I wasn't interested at first and assumed I would never do one. After applying through UCAS, I received some rejections and did not want to attend the university that offered me a place. A friend encouraged me to look into solicitor apprenticeships. I was terrified, but I applied and was successful.
The traditional route usually means qualifying at around 28. Apprenticeships give you a clear route to qualify by 24, with full funding and a salary. The experience is the real advantage. Instead of a four-seat training contract, I will rotate through eight seats over six years. The modules I study are directly relevant to practice, which makes my degree more focused and practical.
How have you found balancing legal training with part-time study at the University of Law?
My week is clearly divided between studying and working. Fridays are my study days for the entire six years. For the first two years, we complete one module at a time, which amounts to three modules a year. From year three onwards, the workload doubles. As long as I complete my university work on Fridays, the balance is manageable. Efficient working becomes essential when you need to fit two modules into one study day.
Monday to Thursday, I work in the office. I am currently in Intellectual Property. I draft letters, prepare annexes, complete Business Development tasks, present in team meetings and carry out legal and commercial research for clients. The seat is academic and research-heavy, and I work with a wide range of people. The variety is one of the best parts.
What advice would you give to students considering a solicitor apprenticeship?
If you want a mix of university work and practical experience and prefer learning by doing, a solicitor apprenticeship could be ideal. I did not have much information when I applied. I just knew I wanted to be a lawyer. It is tough and not an easy route, but it is worth it. The practical experience is the biggest advantage. You work directly with clients, develop skills you cannot learn at university and understand commercial law from day one. You know exactly what yyou'reagetting into
Are there any particular skill sets that students should develop?
Confidence and self-belief are essential. You will face tasks you have never done before. Ask questions and push yourself out of your comfort zone. Do things that scare you. Written and verbal communication are crucial because you use them every day. Organisational skills matter, even if that simply means managing your emails and workload.
Curiosity is also important. You are learning from top-tier professionals in their fields, so make the most of it. Soft skills develop over time. Nobody knows what they are doing all the time. The best thing you can do is learn from others and trust that you will succeed.
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