Life as a legal apprentice in the north east of England
Finding my path into law
Looking back, I don’t remember a single moment when I suddenly realised, “I want to be a lawyer”. I didn’t know anyone in law. I just always wanted to do it.
During my A-levels, I looked for legal work experience. I walked to all the firms in my local area to hand in a letter and CV, trying to secure a placement.
With no luck knocking on doors, I started volunteering at Citizens Advice. I eventually completed a training program to become an advisor as their youngest volunteer in the Darlington branch.
I really enjoyed helping people who had literally walked in off the street with a range of problems. Anything from housing and debt to family matters. It involved a lot of thinking on your feet. I loved it from the outset.
Ellie at her graduation ceremony
Discovering apprenticeships
When I first started thinking about a legal apprenticeship in 2019, there weren’t many of them on offer to me in the north east. Apprenticeships were hardly mentioned at school – and when they were, they were usually targeted towards trades.
There was an expectation that if your grades were at a certain level, you would go on to do A-levels and then to full-time university. But as someone without connections in the legal profession, I saw the apprenticeship as a head start that I wouldn’t otherwise have had access to. This, combined with the financial advantage of incurring no student debt, felt like a no-brainer.
Through the solicitor apprenticeship, you get a law degree and take the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). You also gain six years of practical experience being trained and mentored by lawyers. Why wouldn’t I want that?
Why apprenticeships matter
Steven Drew, membership development manager, is responsible for our work with aspiring solicitors and juniors. He shares why members tell us solicitor apprenticeships are such a valuable route.
“There are so many reasons we support apprenticeships,” says Steven. “We believe the route is a key driver for social mobility in the profession – and that it provides great benefits for firms and learners.”
He explains: “apprentices earn while they learn, giving them a salary to cover living costs and removing the need for student loans. These loans can be a real barrier especially to those from lower income families or without parental support.”
“Apprentices tell us that the practical experience through hands on work, and structured support from employers, is leading to success,” he says. “In fact, recent SRA data shows apprentices are more likely to be successful in SQE2 than their peers following other routes towards qualification.”
The application process
My apprenticeship application cycle was curtailed by the pandemic in 2020. That meant I decided to focus on opportunities closer to home. I applied to the North East Solicitor Apprenticeship Scheme (NESA), which involves a cohort of law firms and in house legal teams based in the north east of England and Northumbria University.
It’s unique as you can apply to a group of firms with one application. The firms then run a joint assessment centre. After that, you are invited for a final interview and work experience with the firms you are shortlisted with. It works well both from a firm and candidate perspective.
I progressed through to the final interview and work experience stage with six firms. But unfortunately, the pandemic meant that the final stage was delayed.
Eventually I was informed that the decision had been taken not to go ahead with recruitment. I was gutted. There weren’t any assurances that the scheme would continue.
I had applied to university as a backup option, but I didn’t want to go. I wasn’t ready to give up on the apprenticeship scheme. Northumbria University was still offering the academic course, so I knew that if I could get the support of a firm then it was possible I’d be able to start the programme as planned.
I contacted each of the firms directly who had shortlisted me. I thought, “Let’s have one last push. One opportunity is all you need.”
BHP Law invited me to meet with their managing partner. I received a call the following day to confirm they wanted me to join them as a solicitor apprentice. I was taken on with another apprentice, my now colleague, Jack.
The experience taught me a lot, especially about the value of determination and resilience. BHP Law have since recruited a further six solicitor apprentices, so I’d like to think their initial decision to invest in two determined 18-year-old aspiring lawyers paid off!
Ellie with BHP managing partner John Pratt and fellow senior apprentice Jack Collins.
Life as an apprentice
From the start, I learned how a law firm operates as a business. I’ve also been in front of clients from day one. It was an environment I thrived in after my initial experience at Citizens Advice.
It really was hands-on from the outset. Obviously, I wasn't leading client appointments in my first year, but I was taking notes, helping with files, drafting and reviewing documents for the solicitors.
There’s so much you learn from those around you. Not only from the qualified lawyers, but also the support staff who often know the files inside and out.
In the third year of my apprenticeship, I began taking on more responsibility. This included the conduct of my own caseload with supervision.
It really helped me to develop my case management skills. I also had the reassurance of my supervisors, who would have the ultimate responsibility for the matters.
Balancing work and education
Balancing work and my studies is one of the most challenging aspects of the apprenticeship. But, it is doable with the right mindset, organisation and support.
We have one day of protected study leave per week. This forms the minimum 20% ‘off the job’ hours required for the apprenticeship.
During exam periods – such as my SQE1 exams this summer – one day per week isn’t enough to get through everything that you need to succeed. Good communication is very important in busy periods like this, so that your team is aware of your capacity.
I’m lucky to have a supportive firm who have provided additional support where needed, including more study leave. Law can obviously be stressful and is naturally fast paced, but by avoiding internalising stress, you can produce your best work and secure the best outcomes for clients.
Being able to progress and develop is, for me, the most exciting part. My apprenticeship has also given me the incredible opportunity to contribute to the community I grew up in. That’s both through my work at BHP Law, and initiatives with local sixth forms and colleges that aim to broaden access to the profession at a local level. I think if I saw myself as a year one apprentice walking around the office now, I probably wouldn’t recognise her!
Ellie with her former mentor Oluwapelumi Amanda Adeola and fellow senior apprentice Jack Collins.
Changes to apprenticeships
The government recently announced changes to apprenticeship funding rules. From 1 January 2026, funding for level 7 apprenticeships will be limited to those aged under 22. This will directly affect solicitor apprenticeships.
Thinking back to myself as an 18-year-old, I was privileged to have people around me who encouraged and believed in me. Many people don’t have that. They might have experienced things that have led them to believe that law is beyond their reach.
It’s likely that those people would need more time to consider applying for something like a solicitor apprenticeship. I believe we should be continuing the momentum in broadening access to a career in law, rather than putting barriers back in place.
What we are doing to support apprenticeships
At the Law Society, we have published practical guides for aspiring solicitor apprentices, and for solicitors and firms interested in hiring an apprentice.
In 2024, we called on the UK government to maintain level 7 apprenticeships in England and introduce them in Wales, having also worked with University of Wales Trinity St David, to launch a consultation to gather views on bringing level 7 legal apprenticeships to Wales.
Looking forward, says Steven, our priorities include creating more awareness and support for smaller, regional law firms to grow apprenticeship volumes, improving our offer for apprentices, and creating more opportunities for them to network and engage with peers.
“We’re continuing to have constructive conversations with the Ministry of Justice, Department of Business and Trade, and Department for Education”, he says.
“A particular focus for us is continuing to lobby for funding to remain available for mature entrants to the profession, as the government has removed public funding for level 7 apprenticeships for those aged 22 and over.”
Apprenticeships are an essential pathway into the profession, supporting new talent and creating opportunities for people who otherwise would have been denied the chance to become a solicitor, adds Steven. “The next generation is motivated, highly trained – and changing the face of the legal sector”.
Lead image: Ellie and fellow apprentice Jack Collins were ‘trainee of the year’ finalists at the Northern Law Awards
I want to know more
Solicitor apprenticeships
You can become a solicitor by completing a level 7 apprenticeship.
Find out what’s involved, what qualifications and experience you need, and how to apply.