The experts at The University of Law share their advice on landing your apprenticeship
You don’t need to take a traditional degree to work in the legal field. Instead, law apprenticeships offer a practical alternative, allowing you to gain experience and qualifications at the same time – as well as get paid. If you’re considering this path, your first step is finding that all-important apprenticeship.
This can be a competitive process, so we spoke to Ceri Evans, The University of Law’s national programme director for apprenticeships, to get her expert tips on securing a legal apprenticeship.
The benefits of a law apprenticeship
When you take a legal apprenticeship, you’ll be employed by a law firm or organisation. Your training costs will be paid for you, you’ll earn a salary and you’ll be combining work with your studies. You’ll probably spend around 80% of your time working and 20% learning.
Ceri explains that “apprentices benefit from real life training and supervision throughout their apprenticeship. This means their legal skills and behaviours develop quickly and are tailored to the requirements of their firm. There is also the obvious benefit of qualifying without any debt!”
Is it the route for you?
Before you decide to embark on this path, Ceri advises that students “think carefully. Although there are very clear benefits, the apprenticeship route is not for everyone.”
Ceri has some advice for the kind of thing you could expect from an apprenticeship.
“You will be working at a law firm or in a legal team, which is a demanding role and requires confidence and resilience. Your degree experience will be very different from students studying on a LLB programme,” Ceri says.
“You should ask yourself if you are willing to miss out on the university experience? Over the last seven years I have seen apprentices leave their apprenticeship due to the conflicting demands of work and study and their own expectations,” Ceri advises.
As long as this all aligns with your expectations, Ceri comments that “in the vast majority of instances, apprentices thrive in their apprenticeship.”
“Additionally, the increasing numbers of client firms/legal teams suggests firms and organisations value their apprentices and support their apprentices to a successful completion,” says Ceri.
Finding your legal apprenticeship
Apprenticeships are provided by employers. Although these positions are highly sought after, it’s important not to rush your decision. Take a bit of time to look into the firms to make sure they’ll be a good fit.
Ceri shares that “it is important prospective apprentices undertake research on firms offering apprenticeships. The culture and expectations of law firms vary widely; apprentices should consider carefully the type of firm they want to work at.”
Once you’ve got an idea of where you’d like to work, “prospective apprentices should start by looking at websites of firms who may be offering apprenticeships,” says Ceri.
As a general rule, apprenticeships will usually be advertised around the end of the school year.
Additionally, “roles are advertised with various other third-party organisations. These include Ucas, All About Law and Not Going To Uni,” comments Ceri.
And even if your dream firm isn’t actively advertising any apprenticeship vacancies, they could still be receptive to a speculative application.
“A number of our current apprentices have obtained their apprenticeship by approaching law firms they want to work for. The Law Society website, which lists all law firms in England, could potentially be a starting point for this research,” says Ceri.
Writing a killer application
Competition for legal apprenticeships is high, so it’s important that you stand out in your application.
The application process will vary depending on the law firm, but most will ask you to send a CV and cover letter. You may also need to fill out an application form.
When writing yours, bear in mind that “legal apprenticeships are highly valued, so you need to explain to the firm why they should consider you as a prospective apprentice,” says Ceri.
“This means you’ll need to tailor each application you make linking your experience, aspirations and skills to each firm’s distinct culture and ethos. A generic application will not be successful,” Ceri continues.
After you’ve submitted your written application, if you move to the next stage it is “likely that you will be called to an assessment centre or interview,” says Ceri.
In terms of preparing for your interview, “firms and organisations do not expect applicants to be knowledgeable about law (that’s the purpose of the apprenticeship!) but they do expect apprentices to understand the route to qualification via the apprenticeship route,” explains Ceri.
“You should ensure you have a good understanding of the requirements of the apprenticeship. You could look on the Institute for Apprenticeships website for information,” says Ceri.
Finally, while it can be tempting to shape yourself into what you think the job requires, it’s always best to be genuine in an interview.
“It is important you reflect your real self. A firm will employ an applicant they feel is the best fit. If you hide your real personality during the selection process you may find you do not feel comfortable in the firm when you start. Six years is a long time to spend with an employer who is a bad fit!” Ceri finishes.
Our partnership with The University of Law
The Student Room is proud to work with The University of Law as the official partner of our law hub, where current and future law students can find the advice and guidance they need.
The University of Law welcomes intelligent, ambitious students interested in the world around them; people who question systems, procedures and behaviours, and are not afraid to challenge convention.
Study at The University of Law and you’ll be equipped with the professional knowledge you need to excel in your chosen career, and supported by an award-winning employability service to help you get there.
