WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO GO DOWN THE ROUTE OF AN APPRENTICESHIP?
Throughout university I was constantly thinking about the next steps in my legal career. Studying a full-time law degree whilst also seeking experience appeared to be a challenge, especially with how saturated and competitive the legal industry is. In my final year of university, I gained experience in our free legal advice clinic on campus, this solidified I wanted to work in the legal industry when I graduated. When I started to look for paths I can take post university, the apprenticeship route was a path that accommodated my circumstances most. An apprenticeship allows me to study for the SQE, gain all my training and experience alongside this, to hopefully qualify as a solicitor in just thirty months. Rather than going down the traditional route of funding the SQE and then finding two years qualifying work experience, the apprenticeship allows you to do this in a ‘nutshell’.
WHAT MADE YOU CHOOSE TO START THIS JOURNEY WITH BTMK SOLICITORS?
When looking for job opportunities in my second and third year at university, I began to lose hope in the legal industry, just for how saturated the industry is and the very limited jobs that are offered for the little experience a university student has. Alongside having no links within my family or family friends that could help me gain some experience. When looking locally in my hometown, BTMK Solicitors was the most open minded and offered a variety of laws that interested me most, especially Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence. From then on, even having the opportunity to have an interview at BTMK Solicitors was my main priority.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR THOSE CONSIDERING AN APPRENTICESHIP ROLE WITHIN THE LEGAL INDUSTRY?
My advice for those considering the apprenticeship route, whether this be after you’re a-levels or after your degree, is to consider the practical experience you gain whilst also studying alongside it. The practical training you will receive is a motive to continue your studies to achieve your career goals, whilst also solidifying that the legal career is for you.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED FOR ABOUT YOUR NEW ROLE AT BTMK?
I have been a part of the Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence team since July 2024 as a Paralegal to gain even more experience before transitioning my role into an Apprentice Solicitor. I am most excited about gaining more hands-on experience with our cases and learning the step-by-step process of how to run my own case.
