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What do you most enjoy – and find the most challenging – about your apprenticeship?
The standout feature of the scheme that I am on – as well as the most challenging – is the responsibility placed on me. I’m at a major firm with big clients, doing high-quality work. Although I’m relatively inexperienced, the firm has enabled me to be fully involved in cases and I play an important role in the team. This comes with pressure, of course, which reflects the high value and importance of the cases we work on.
What is your best piece of advice for those considering applying for a legal apprenticeship?
Finally, it is vital for applicants learn as much as they can about a firm before they apply. For example, if you are interested in criminal law, you should not be applying to a firm like Mayer Brown, which focuses on commercial law. And if you are set on working in the City, representing big businesses and banks, you still need to dig down further to understand the nuances between the large commercial firms – on the surface they might look identical, but each one is unique in their culture, focus and identity. There are three key things that people need to know when considering a vocational qualification route. Firstly, you need to appreciate what being a lawyer entails day-to-day. It isn’t always the most glamorous job. There will be late nights spent putting together court bundles and it can be stressful, as well as hugely enjoyable – it depends on what suits you as an individual. Secondly, given that the commitment is six years, it is so important that you think about whether it is the right fit for you.
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From September 2018, the scheme at Mayer Brown is moving from the ‘articled route to qualification’ to the government’s ‘Trailblazer’ apprenticeship programme .
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