Meet Allan - Apprentice

Why did you decide on a career in law?

I decided to pursue a career in law when I studied it in sixth form and developed an interest in how the law interacts with the real world. I was curious about how legal conflicts would operate in a commercial setting and how they could be leveraged to either advance or protect business interests. This intersection of law and business is what prompted me to start gaining work experience in the legal sector. When I discovered the apprenticeship route, I knew it would be exactly what I wanted, as it would allow me to study the law and apply it simultaneously. Why opt for an apprenticeship over other qualification routes?

The practical experience the apprenticeship offers made it a very enticing choice over university as I would be able to start learning the relevant skills and gaining invaluable experience from an earlier age then had I gone to university. That alongside the debt free tuition I would be receiving made the apprenticeship very appealing for me.

How did you find and apply for your apprenticeship?

I discovered which law firms offered apprenticeships by reading articles online, and then I conducted research on each firm to determine which ones I thought would be a good fit for me. Once I had compiled a list of firms I was interested in, I began applying to them.

Why did you choose that particular office location?

I chose the Milton Keynes office because I wanted to see how a global law firm leverages its specialty to help regional businesses grow. It also helps that the Milton Keynes office is close to where I live.

Tell us about your apprenticeship (length, structure, level, the qualification you’ll receive at the end etc)

My apprenticeship spans six years, I have five years remaining. During this time, I will rotate through eight different departments. For the first four years, I will spend one year in each department, followed by four six-month rotations in the remaining two years. This apprenticeship leads to a Level 7 qualification, and upon completion, I will receive an LLB bachelor's in law. Additionally, the firm will sponsor my Solicitor Qualifying Examinations, enabling me to practice law in England and Wales

What kind of tasks do you complete on a typical day?

The most common tasks I complete involve drafting legal documents. Additionally, I undertake legal research, such as finding the judgment of a case and summarizing the key points of a law for a senior colleague to consider in a matter. Having just completed a contentious property seat, some of my other tasks have included determining who legally owns a piece of property, examining specific provisions in a lease, and understanding what they could mean for our client, as well as the options available to them. Furthermore, I assist with advancing court matters wherever possible, whether that involves drafting emails to send to the court or calling them for updates on a case.

What do you enjoy about your apprenticeship?

The most enjoyable part of my apprenticeship is that no two days are the same; even when the task may be the same, such as drafting a notice, the client and their specific information to be included will differ. It's a very dynamic role that has provided me with a lot of opportunities for professional and personal growth.

What are the challenges?

Balancing work with study, particularly during exam season, can be challenging due to pressures from both sides. Therefore, I take steps to stay organized and maintain open communication with my team. In situations where I would need extra time off for exams, especially during busy periods at the office, I make sure to communicate this well in advance.

How do you balance working with studying?

I make full use of the study days to ensure that I cover all the material and attend the lectures. Dentons provides apprentices with two study days off per exam, so I make sure to utilise these during the exam season to have more time for revision. If the module I'm studying is particularly challenging or content heavy, I also dedicate some time on the weekends to ensure that I fully understand all the information and am up to date.

Can you debunk a myth about working in law?

If you choose to become a solicitor in a commercial practice, such as corporate or banking law, you will rarely, if ever, find yourself in court. This is particularly true if you work in a transactional team because it is generally barristers who are instructed by solicitors to advocate in court when litigation arises. As a lawyer in a commercial firm, you can expect to spend most of your time in the office.

What are your career ambitions?

I would like the opportunity to work abroad, the sunnier the better! Dentons offers a variety of secondment opportunities across all levels so when I have more experience, I would like to apply for a variety of international opportunities to expand my knowledge on how different legal sectors and industries operate in different jurisdictions.

What advice can you give to other aspiring apprentices?

Do your research on each firm to ensure that you are applying to a law firm that practices the type of law you want to get into, there's a big difference between commercial and personal injury law! Secondly, I would recommend becoming familiar with each stage in the application process so you are as prepared as possible and can have enough time to cover your weaknesses and affirm your strengths.

What are you looking forward to over the next year of your apprenticeship?

I am going to corporate for my next seat, so I am looking forward to doing transactional work. It will be a change to the contentious work I have done for the last year, and I am looking forward to seeing how they differ.