Trainee Solicitor - Apprentice Review
at BCLP
Degree Apprenticeship
Legal/Law
Manchester
Review Submitted: January 2024
Overall Rating
4.3 /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
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
4/5
-
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
This role changes every 6 months with the experience of a new legal seat. I act as part of a team of partners, solicitors trainees etc and I get to assist with matter management, drafting legal documents, client communication and completions of deals. It involves lots of project management and file management.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I really do enjoy my programme. I think the opportunities given whilst on the programme are amazing and the opportunities that the programme also opens up for me in the future are wonderful. I love constantly learning and being challenged, whilst also being supported with my struggles. I find it great to develop.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Yes, I have developed lots of existing skills. I have definitely improved my communication skills and team building abilities. My oral communication skills are particularly better now. When it comes to new skills, I would say my legal technical skills are new in relation to each new area of law I sit in.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
It is really well structured, with a clear progression plan from day one and this carries through the 6 years. We are made aware in advance of all changes and all movement to our structure and all decisions are given to us with good reasoning. We get increased responsibility as we progress through.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
3/5
The support I receive from my direct manager is really good. I have a great relationship with them and they are on hand for assistance and advice when needed. I feel I can turn to them for help and they have my best interests at heart. As a company on a whole, the support is there when needed.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
2/5
The support we receive from the training provider is limited and our employer makes up for this. There's a number of people working for the provider who are excellent and these people do stand out for being supportive and great at explaining things. I rely on these few people.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
The qualification I receive directly links to the role that I do and I couldn't do my role without it. With each new term, we learn a new module and each module helps with the understanding of legal concepts that are needed for the daily role as a trainee.
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
Yes, there are these activities available if wanted. We have football teams, social events every month and also professional events if preferred. I don't participate in many of these activities due to time constraints but if it's something you want, then it's good. They are always open to new activities too.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BCLP to a friend?
Yes
Why?
-Opportunities to progress are made clear and well explained.
-Lots of experience given even at a junior stage.
-Really lovely culture and the people we work with are so welcoming and helpful.
-Benefits package is a bonus.
-Opportunities to socialise if wanted.
-Great facilities and offices, including good equipment available.
-Lots of experience given even at a junior stage.
-Really lovely culture and the people we work with are so welcoming and helpful.
-Benefits package is a bonus.
-Opportunities to socialise if wanted.
-Great facilities and offices, including good equipment available.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BCLP?
My main bit of advice to those applying would be to really research the company and understand why you want to work there over other firms. Learn about the values of BCLP and how you may fit into those values. Also, show off your personal experience in other areas such as part time jobs, extra curricular etc.
