Bright Futures for Legal Apprentices

Posted on February 9, 2022

Now in its 15^th year National Apprenticeship Week is a chance to put the spotlight on the young work force of the future and something as a firm we are thoroughly invested in.

Some of our young apprenticeships have been nominated for national awards, others have been named student of the year at their individual colleges, but one thing they all share is a commitment to combining learning with working.

The theme this year is ‘build the future’ and that is something we certainly support and encourage within the law firm.

As Pearsons Senior Partner and Practice Manager, Joanne Ormston, says:

“As a firm we enjoy developing and encouraging our young learners and seeing them progress over the years.

They make a positive impact on the firm and build a set of skills appropriate to their chosen careers. By investing in them we can hopefully secure their long term growth and potential and help encourage others to follow suit,”

“I would encourage other employers, not just law firms, to look at the apprenticeship scheme and help generate the workforce of the future.” she added.

Being an Apprentice at Pearson Solicitors

Commenting on their development as young apprentices three of our team, Lucy Roughley, Emily Gardner and Emma Collinson had this to say about their experience:

Lucy Roughley - Wills, Trusts and Probate Legal Adviser

I am one year into my solicitor apprenticeship and I get a lot of experience giving legal advice to clients due to the extra training and support provided by Pearson. I already have 4 years experience working in a law firm which is amazing! It's important to be organised when combining so much and I had to learn to balance work, study and time for myself very quickly when I started paralegal studies.

Being a legal apprentice at Pearson Solicitors is perfect for me because I wanted to become a lawyer but I didn't see myself studying at university for years without any practical experience. The experience I have gained with this apprenticeship has provided me with invaluable knowledge of working in the legal environment. Learning and working with experienced solicitors and financial advisers have helped me in forming my own network.

What I enjoy most about my apprenticeship at Pearsons is that I am constantly learning and no day is the same! I love interacting with my client and building a relationship with them to make sure they have peace of mind when seeking advice on Wills, Trusts and Lasting Powers of Attorney.

Emily Gardner - Family Law Paralegal

I am currently in the second year of my apprenticeship handling my own case load for divorce & children matters. I have one day a week for study and then four days at Pearsons. It is hard at times juggling work and studying but I enjoy learning on the job and I feel this helps me within my university work. It is best to get into a routine of studying and working as this really helps.

But above all else I enjoy dealing with clients & helping them through their cases, attending court and sitting behind counsel.

Emma Collinson - Residential Conveyancing Executive

I am in my first year of my 7 year solicitor apprenticeship and am a conveyancing executive at Pearson Solicitors in Oldham. I started as a legal assistant and paralegal apprentice 3 years ago and I have continued working and studying with the firm.

Being an apprentice works for me as it allows me to continue with higher education whilst also still working. It also allows me to apply what I am learning to my day to day job and helps me become a better lawyer. By the end of the apprenticeship I will be a qualified solicitor with 10 years of experience in property law due to being with the firm prior to starting this current apprenticeship.

I enjoy the fast pace of conveyancing and being part of the team. We have amazing team communication and working in an open plan office allows me to receive training every day. I enjoy advising clients and helping them buy the house of their dreams or to enhance their property portfolio, but also helping people when it is time to sell a house and close that chapter of their life. I like the excitement that comes with working with first time buyers and helping guide them through the conveyancing process.

How can we help

If you feel you have what it take to join our apprentices and are seeking a career in the legal or financial services industry contact us on 0161 785 3500 or email enquiries@pearsonlegal.co.uk

Please note that the information and opinions contained in this article are not intended to be comprehensive, nor to provide legal advice. No responsibility for its accuracy or correctness is assumed by Pearson Solicitors and Financial Advisers Ltd or any of its members or employees. Professional legal advice should be obtained before taking, or refraining from taking, any action as a result of this article.

This blog was posted some time ago and its contents may now be out of date. For the latest legal position relating to these issues, get in touch with the author - or make an enquiry now.