Apprentice Solicitor Review
at DWF
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Legal/Law
Manchester
Review Submitted: May 2022
Overall Rating
3.9 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
3.5/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
4/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
3/5
On a day-to-day basis my role involves completing tasks I have been allocated. Common tasks include drafting letters or court documents, chasing third parties and updating the internal case management system. I often interact with colleagues as part of a task, although I have less interaction with external parties (such as the client).
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I enjoy work, although some days can feel repetitive and lack purpose. Overall, the company culture is excellent and I feel very well supported in my development. It varies between departments, but there is a great team culture. It meets my expectations, and I can see that there is more to learn and enjoy as I develop my skills and knowledge.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have gained a Level 3 CILEx Paralegal qualification and a Level 4 Certificate of Higher Education in Legal Services from BPP. I am working towards the Level 7. There are often internal training opportunities, the most common being learning through other colleagues and by asking questions. I have learnt to manage my own time and to effectively communicate with others. I have gained technical legal knowledge and skills through my formal qualification, and through the workplace experience.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The programme organisation / structure has improved since I started my apprenticeship. It also varies between teams / departments. I have a designated study day each week, and receive support from line managers where necessary in my studying (e.g. completion of my portfolio). The support is there, if you go and ask for it.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
I receive support from my manager, colleagues, other apprentices and the Emerging Talent team. It is easily accessible, but you often have to go and ask if you need something. The general attitude is very positive and supportive, particularly at the beginning of the apprenticeship. I receive guidance from my employer if I have any issues.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
I have module tutors, that I can contact with questions about a specific topic. Support is accessible - there is a specific legal apprenticeship team that offer support, along with Apprenticeship Managers. I have calls with my Apprenticeship Manager at BPP and my DWF line manager every term, which is helpful in working towards qualificaions.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
What I am learning on the apprenticeship has helped during my day-to-day role. The skills and behaviours modules, such as legal research, working with other people and legal writing have been helpful. I know more about my role and the general expectations from completing my qualification. However, the most useful thing is learning on the job.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
There are company events / activities, social events and voluntary initiatives, which apprentices are encouraged to get involved in. There are in-person and online events. People are keen to increase the number of events back up to what they were pre-COVID, including sports / leisure events. I have also enjoyed the voluntary initiatives, and would recommend volunteering.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend DWF to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I would recommend DWF to a friend. I feel supported in my professional development, and the culture is great. In general, the experience I have gained has been varied and challenging. It has exceeded my expectations and I am looking forward to the next few years of the apprenticeship with DWF!
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to DWF?
The supportive culture filters down to the application process, interviews and assessment days, so it is not as scary as it might seem at first! I would like to have been told to relax and smile more! I would recommend the open days / events, to meet current apprentices and learn more about DWF and the apprenticeship, and would say to make the most of the opportunities you have.
