In the modern legal industry, there are a variety of ways that young professionals, or even experienced employees, can progress their careers without attending university.
Oliver & Co Solicitors support a multitude of routes into qualification, including apprenticeships.
Adam Hazell, Paralegal in the Wills and Probate department, has recently completed a Level 3 Paralegal Apprenticeship, which will allow him to progress under Oliver and Co’s Career Progression Scheme, onto the Solicitor Apprenticeship in the future.
Here’s what Adam had to say about apprenticeships:
Apprenticeship v University
Legal Apprenticeships are becoming increasing popular across the nation. Apprenticeships allow the learner to gain hands-on experience in the industry they wish to work in, earning their qualification at the same time. Students are not left with large student debts, which is a clear positive toward to apprenticeship route to qualification.
In my experience, from having conversations with colleagues and other people within my network, most people are often shocked and surprised as to the amount of years it takes to qualify as a Solicitor under the apprenticeship route (7 years to be exact). In my view however, this is a similar time frame to those who have undertaken the traditional university route to qualification. I personally believe that apprentice’s will also be placed in a better position upon qualification, given they will have several years experience under their belt on day one of being a qualified Solicitor.
My Experience
My personal experience of my Paralegal Apprenticeship was, thankfully, a positive one. I completed my training through DataLaw and obtained my qualification with the National Association of Licensed Paralegals (NALP), and then further went to achieve a Distinction in my End-Point-Assessment (EPA). I had a tutor on hand throughout my apprenticeship, so I was able to refer any questions or queries to them and I enjoyed having this support system to provide guidance to me.
For my NALP qualification I studied two compulsory modules and 4 chosen electives., Then to complete my EPA, I had to provide a portfolio of evidence and complete a training log, which accurately reflected everything I had learnt throughout my apprenticeship.
One of the biggest struggles I found whilst completing my apprenticeship, was juggling my day-to-day role in the office, my studies, and putting time aside for a personal life to ensure I was maintaining a good work-life balance. I had the privilege of being able to put one day a week toward my studies and this was very useful as it allowed me to have free time on the weekend to spend time with friends and family.
What’s Next
Further to the completion of my Paralegal Apprenticeship, I hope to be fortunate enough in the future to secure a placement on Oliver and Co’s Solicitor Apprenticeship Scheme. This would allow me to become a Trainee Solicitor, obtain my LLB, sit the Solicitors Qualifying Exam, and qualify as a Solicitor.
