Samantha’s story: ‘My journey from apprentice to solicitor'

After eight years of balancing work and studying, I have officially completed my solicitor apprenticeship. It has been an incredibly rewarding journey, with personal highlights such as winning multiple awards, and attending my graduation. 

The journey has been challenging, but incredibly rewarding – and one that has shaped not just my legal skills, but who I am as a professional. The apprenticeship programme allows you to gain exposure to real legal work and develop your client care skills from an early stage in your career. 

Having worked in three different practice areas, I have developed practical skills such as time management, legal drafting and communication, which all contributed to my success of passing the Solicitors Qualifying Exams (SQE) on my first attempt. Completing the apprenticeship marks a huge milestone in my career and I am hoping that my experience provides me with a head start as I embark on the next chapter of my career, becoming a Newly Qualified (NQ) Solicitor.

To anyone considering this route: it’s demanding, but it provides you with real life skills, a head start in your career, and the chance to grow in ways you might not expect.