Solicitor Review
at Mishcon de Reya
Higher Level Apprenticeship
London
Review Submitted: September 2023
Overall Rating
4.8 /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!
4.5/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
4.8/5
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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:
4/5
Every day is really different for me as an apprentice solicitor. Every day, I work on various transactions occurring within the team and actively communicate with various fee earners on my team. The majority of my working week is spent on fee-earning legal work, but I also engage in a number of pro bono initiatives, social events, and volunteer opportunities that the firm sponsors.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I am pleased with my curriculum and the choice I took to finish an apprenticeship rather than enrol in college. My job has evolved into a second home. Yes, in part because you spend so much time at work, but more so because I feel comfortable and happy there, am surrounded by brilliant people who actually care about my personal and professional growth, and get along with them.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have picked up a tonne of new skills. Many of these have been soft skills that I doubt I would have learned at university, like networking (both formally and informally) and managing expectations and personal workloads. Many of these have been hard skills that directly relate to the legal work I am involved with in each of the legal departments I have worked in.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
My schedule is really well planned out. It has a distinct, straightforward framework that, when followed, enables me to make progress and work steadily. My academic year at the university is divided into three semesters, each of which is comprised of one topic—in this case, tort law—and one study day each week (20%). In order to get experience in eight different teams before becoming qualified, I rotate teams at work every year for the first four years of my study and then every six months for the final two. I spend four days a week (80%) working in such teams.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
The assistance is persistent but not intrusive. My company has a staff that is committed to my experience and the growth of the other trainee. There is a lot of help available, both academically and in terms of overall welfare. Although the Early Careers team often checks in with me to make sure everything is going as planned, I would say that there is some freedom because I prefer to seek out help only when it is necessary.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
I consider myself really fortunate that my company gives me a lot of assistance about my credentials since they recognise how crucial they are to my apprenticeship and potential legal career. When it comes to our university examinations, the company is very thoughtful about giving us extra study time off. They also constantly check in with our university provider to make sure our studies are progressing as planned.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
I have a fundamental grasp of the law from an academic standpoint thanks to my legal degree. I can use the knowledge I have gained while learning in my day-to-day job. As an illustration, when I am requested to undertake legal research, I employ methods that are quite similar to those I use while conducting legal research for a university assignment.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
I believe I have been able to participate in a lot of events just by saying "yes" or putting myself forward for them. just said, there are just too many different events to name them all, but some of the major things I've done include tennis and rounders matches, charity events, pro bono legal advice, many networking events (internal and external), and the London Legal Walk.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Mishcon de Reya to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The inclusive culture of Mishcon is the key factor in my recommendation. You can certainly enumerate all of its accomplishments as a legal practise serving a diverse spectrum of clients, many of whom are high net worth, active in many jurisdictions, and involved in difficult problems. All of which gives the company a very positive and alluring appearance on paper, but regardless of the beauty of the company, without a positive culture, its workers would have no meaning.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Mishcon de Reya?
Anyone interested in applying to Mishcon should make sure they are properly prepared well before submitting an application. You must demonstrate that you are familiar with the company and the projects it is working on. You must demonstrate that you genuinely want to work here. Additionally, never undervalue the importance of striking a healthy work-life balance by being frank about your interests and hobbies while looking for jobs.
