Meet Amina - Solicitor Apprentice

Hi, my name is Amina, I'm a second-year solicitor apprentice in Real Estate. I am 18 and began this apprenticeship straight out of Sixth Form. 

I decided on a career in law as I found the subject interesting at school, and working in law is a career where you are constantly learning. The law is always changing, as a result so is the work and projects solicitors participate in. I found commercial law interesting as I enjoyed business studies in school and after attending various firm open days, I found the insights into how businesses operates and how lawyers advise them fascinating. 

I opted for an apprenticeship over other qualification routes because I wanted to learn law in a hands-on way. Through the apprenticeship, I am working with legal professionals every day, giving me the ability to understand from a young age the tasks solicitors do and understand how law is weaved into the working place. If you prefer practical learning over classroom based, I recommend choosing this route. I also recommend it as by the time of qualification, I will have had 6 years of experience working in a law firm, as opposed to two through the traditional route, this additional experience is in my eyes invaluable, especially as it will hopefully enable me to know which sector of law I want to go into. Finally, a big reason, the route is fully funded, degree and salary are paid, which for anyone leaving school is a huge benefit, as it has been for me. 

I found this apprenticeship through google searches of Solicitor apprenticeships; it is also part of the City Century consortium. I applied for the apprenticeship through the use of these resources:

• Legal cheek for summaries of law firms to choose preferences.
• Legal Green Guide- if being eco-friendly is important to you
• Chambers and Partners, a detailed ranking of law firms throughout different areas
• Legal 500, lists awards that firms have received and guides on industries
• City Century- an initiative by London law firms, lists those who do the apprenticeship programme.
• The Forage, a consortium of law firms who offer free virtual law work experience
• Firm websites- outline their values, their work and sometimes application tips
• Attend firm open evenings, many advertise these on their websites, so keep an eye out!

On a day to do day basis, my work differs. As I am in real estate, my work is predominantly focused on properties, selling, leasing and managing them. As such I deal with the Land Registry, submitting forms as well as drafting documents regarding properties, such as when a landlord wants to grant a lease. I also conduct research to assist fee earners with their work, such as recent cases and checking Term definitions. 

The highlight of my solicitor apprenticeship so far has been giving back to others who want to apply for apprenticeships. Particularly attending my former school's careers fair. I found it great answering questions from students regarding apprenticeships, the application process and how my experience has been so far. 

Tasks I complete on a typical day can be drafting documents, such as Statutory declarations to contract a lease out of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954, as well as drafting licences for alterations, for when a tenant wants to alter a premises. Another common task is managing a client dataroom, to ensure relevant documents can be viewed.

At Dentons, I have a support network with fellow apprentices, I often have lunch with my cohort which is great as we talk about experiences, thoughts and provide each other with advice. Moreover, at trainee/apprentice socials, it is a great way to connect with fellow juniors outside of work. I am part of the social committee and recently attended the 2025 'Big trip' in Northumberland where I participated in a range of activities from watersports to archery. 

I balance working with studying by making sure I use my study day, for study. I plan and draft out the format of notes I am going to write, and do this when going through workshops, this enables me to revise more effectively. I also make sure that time I do spend on studying is focused, no distractions such as my phone are around!

That you can't have a social life- Yes it won't be like university but that's not a bad thing. An apprenticeship is what you make it, so is your social life. There are frequent events to connect with other apprentices and socialise with others. In the year I have been here I've attended a department away day in York, a trip to Northumberland, summer party and mini golf! And that's just work led social events. If having a social life is a priority, it is completely possible to have one when finding a healthy balance. 

Be yourself. Cliché but true, when going through the application process the best way to differentiate yourself is by being you, no one else is. Describe experiences you've had that relate to commercial law, or don't, any experience is experience and add what you've personally learnt. When speaking to other candidates, be yourself, as if you're selected, you want to start a career in law, being true to yourself.