Solicitor Apprentice – Lewis Austin:
I joined Watson Woodhouse and Macks Solicitors in 2023, embarking on the first stages of my Solicitor Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship. Currently, I am undertaking my first seat within the Civil Litigation department at Watson Woodhouse which encompasses a wide range of practice areas. So far, my work has found me providing professional services to clients on matters such as Personal Injury, Inquests, Claims Against a Public Authority, Debt Recovery and Clinical Negligence.
As an apprentice, I complete 1 full day of sole academic study a week and 4 days of vocational on the job learning, attending Northumbria University on a bi-monthly basis. The apprenticeship programme includes the traditional academic study and combines it with a practical hands-on approach, gaining exposure to real world legal matters that affect clients’ lives. One of the main personal attractions to the apprenticeship is the structure of learning is incomparable to the exposure to legal experience and knowledge I would have gained had I attended university.
Later this year, I plan to build upon my career journey by commencing my Police Station Accreditation with Cardiff University, another opportunity available to me as an apprentice.
I look forward to the opportunities ahead!
A Typical Day:
No two days are the same! Our working day can vary – whether you’re in the office or at court, drafting legal documentation or holding client meetings – working as part of the Civil Litigation department can look like…
8:30 am: I usually arrive at the office by this time to get settled in alongside my colleagues before beginning work at 8:45 am.
8:45 am: I log on to my laptop and respond to any correspondence. I then diarise my tasks for the day ahead, such as reviewing key documents, drafting letters, and holding appointments with clients.
10:00 am: Liaise with my mentor to discuss my own files and ones that we are working on together. We then collaboratively work together to identify tasks that need prioritising over others and this provides me the chance to ask any questions I have. The tasks recognised often keep me focused up until 1:30 pm.
1:30 pm: Lunch time! I prefer a later lunch and take this time to chill before the afternoon rush.
2:30 pm: Then, I look to contact any new enquiries that have been directed to me or our department, translating client issues into legal terms. Often these can include very personal and private information that our clients confide in us with.
3:30 pm: As an example, the team can often gather around the conference table and watch training webinars to update us on new and ever-changing points of law. Alternatively, I have attended prisons to meet with clients and often their homes.
4:30 pm: We complete any pending tasks to ensure a smooth transition into the following day.
5:15 pm: Home time!
Solicitor Apprentice Applications
If the prospect of university fees is a concern, consider our solicitor apprenticeship program – a distinctive six-year initiative that allows you to earn a salary while studying for an LLB (Hons) in Legal Practice, without the financial strain of tuition fees. This comprehensive program is not just a job; it’s a tailored pathway to becoming an exceptional solicitor.
Starting your journey with us means being a part of a team that believes in your potential. You are not just an apprentice; you are the future of our firm. Work alongside leading lawyers regionally and nationally, benefiting from their expertise and guidance every step of the way towards qualification.
We invite candidates who have achieved or are predicted to achieve at least ABB at A-Level (or equivalent) (128 UCAS points) and possess a minimum of 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) with grades C/5 or above to complete the application form.
