In 2021, I was recruited as part of the first cohort of solicitor apprentices at DLA Piper to begin its six-year journey culminating in qualifying as a solicitor. During this six-year programme, apprentices work for their employers, private practice or in-house, while studying for a law degree and Solicitors Qualifying Exam.
During my time at DLA Piper so far, I have worked in two different legal departments, including the real estate and corporate team. In both teams I have been given a lot of responsibility and have worked on various matters ranging from share purchases, reinvestments, and reorganisations to lease renewals, title reports and land acquisitions.
I can confidently state that no day is the same in the life an apprentice in private practice.
Beyond my fee earning duties, I also assist with several pro bono initiatives at the firm. I am a champion for diversity and inclusion in the workplace. As part of this, I’m currently leading in the launch of a social mobility network at the firm, and I have steered and participated in the Future Leaders Programme, alongside the Lord Mayor of the City of London, Vincent Keaveny. This particular initiative developed a series of one-day programmes for young people around the UK to enhance their employability skills and knowledge of career paths.
Participating in such opportunities provided by the firm is far more significant to me as a first-generation university student and state school educated apprentice, since this has given me the chance to break down societal barriers to entering the legal profession. The apprenticeship has enabled me to make positive changes within societies and for several young people who are wanting to pursue a career in the legal sector.
Following my work experience at a law firm as a Pathways to Law student through The Sutton Trust, I recognised that I wanted to pursue law. Shortly afterwards, I acknowledged that the traditional university route to become a solicitor was not ideal for me. Without the financial support to kick start my academia, I had to explore alternative pathways into the profession. The apprenticeship allowed me to begin university, whilst gaining invaluable legal work experience and earning a salary. I realised that the apprenticeship would best suit my personal experience and skills too. I had a part-time job as a retail assistant throughout the entirety of sixth form, and therefore, knew I would be able to balance studying alongside working. However, above all, I also wanted a challenging yet fulfilling work environment.
Working as an apprentice in the legal profession can be challenging at times. For some, working and studying simultaneously may make it difficult to maintain a work-life balance, especially if you are looking at developing your own personal brand and network too.
Personally, I have faced my own obstacles when stepping into the profession; most notably being the imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is the feeling of fear and self-doubt of accomplishment at work and/or university, which usually emanates from your own background. Starting my apprenticeship as an 18-year-old at an international law firm, I was nervous that I wouldn’t fit in or feel a sense of belonging. My worry and fears were reduced and mitigated as soon as I joined my team and colleagues, all of whom were extremely welcoming and understanding. This highlighted that the profession is open to all, regardless of your background!
For young people who are looking to apply for the solicitor apprenticeship programme, here are my three top tips:
- Make sure you research and find an employer who you will enjoy working for, and who shares the same values as you. Apply for the apprenticeships that interest you and are right for you.
- Begin developing your knowledge of the wider world as soon as possible. Whether that is commercial awareness, if applying for a corporate firm or developments in the wider society that may have an influence on the law firm you are applying for. Take the extra steps to help set yourself apart from other candidates and research actively into the profession or sector that you may be entering as an apprentice!
- Use and apply any non-legal work experience to your advantage. Delve into the skills you have gained and the challenges you have faced, as well as reflecting on the network you have built from this experience.
I hope that in the future the popularity of all apprenticeships, both legal and non-legal, thrives, in a way that will aid the progress towards to a more diverse profession.
Natalia Anna Brozek is a solicitor apprentice at DLA Piper
