In response to my noted efforts and making a positive impression, I was subsequently offered an opportunity to fulfil an administrative role within the team on a part-time basis. This experience further solidified not only my enthusiasm, but also my determination to achieve a successful career in the legal profession.
I initially planned to study law at university, however, decided to take a gap year (which ended up being four years!) and build a financial foundation to support myself through the degree course. I then secured a full-time position in a local hospital pharmacy and as I have always enjoyed learning, I accepted the opportunity to complete further education alongside on-the-job training. I discovered that I learn more effectively in an experiential environment, being able to immediately apply relevant skills and knowledge to practical tasks. After training within the pharmacy, I worked as a registered Pharmacy Technician with a specialism in the treatment and supportive care for patients with cancer.
With this experience, I decided to pursue a legal career in a similar format and was led to the Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme.
My seat and achievements so far
I currently sit in a split seat between Finance & Financial Regulation and Real Estate & Construction, which exposes me to a diverse range of work across different sectors.
In Real Estate, much of my work is within the Retail & Consumer sector, with a mix of Hotels, Hospitality & Leisure, and Energy & Utilities work. I have learnt the post-completions process for commercial real estate transactions and have been able to provide legal updates to my department during team meetings and take notes during client meetings. I was proud to have drafted the Heads of Terms for the purchase of a hotel during the second month of my apprenticeship and, more recently, gained an exposure to Construction work by assisting with the drafting of collateral warranties.
In Finance, my work has primarily focused on Aviation, with some exposure to Insolvency and Sports Finance. During the first three months of my seat, I was able to represent Bird & Bird at a meeting and training session delivered at one of our client's offices and meet our client contacts in-person. I have enjoyed completing challenging work for the Aviation team, including drafting memos and proofreading detailed General Terms Agreements. I have also loved assisting the Sports Finance team with legal research and drafting a detailed note stipulating rules for football player transfer-fees for client reference.
Alongside my work for Bird & Bird, I have been studying one day a week for my LLB Law degree with the University of Law. I am currently completing my second module on Tort, having successfully passed my first module a few weeks ago.
Highlights
I have been helping with business development work, such as assisting our Early Careers team at both internal and external events for aspiring apprentices. I have had the opportunity to speak on panels at events both at our office and at venues, such as Guildhall, speaking of my experience so far. I loved networking with aspiring apprentices and always feel appreciative of those who take the time to speak to me or ask questions about this route into the profession. It was also lovely to meet the current legal apprentices from a multinational telecommunications company, a client of ours, in our office and learn about their experience training in-house.
A personal highlight of mine was attending an event during National Apprenticeship Week hosted by City Century x The Law Society, where the current cohort of first-year Solicitor Apprentices were addressed by the President of The Law Society, Nick Emmerson, and the Solicitor General, Robert Courts. It is so exciting to see apprenticeships gaining the momentum and recognition that they deserve.
On reflection, the first six months of my legal career have been more enjoyable than I could have imagined. It was only this time last year that I applied to Bird & Bird, having no idea that it would take me to where I am now. I have developed crucial skills for the workplace and networked with industry experts, and there is so much more to come. I am incredibly excited for the next six months!
To become a solicitor apprentice or to find out more, click here
