Solicitor Apprentice Review
at DLA Piper
Degree Apprenticeship
Legal/Law
London
Review Submitted: April 2025
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!
5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
4.4/5
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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:
5/5
I spend 20% of my time off-the-job, working towards my law degree. The other 80% is spent on-the-job where I am currently in the finance team. My study day usually involves watching my lecture, completing any reading or any tasks and assessments.
As an apprentice in the finance team, typical tasks that I may be involved in are: checking emails, communicating with the other side / external communications via email or phone, drafting documents (CP checklists, corporate authorisations, letters etc), reviewing documents, team meetings and completing university work where there is spare time.
As an apprentice in the finance team, typical tasks that I may be involved in are: checking emails, communicating with the other side / external communications via email or phone, drafting documents (CP checklists, corporate authorisations, letters etc), reviewing documents, team meetings and completing university work where there is spare time.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
The solicitor apprenticeship programme has been a very enjoyable experience so far. The support network we are given contributes to this, such as having an apprentice buddy, team buddy, supervisor, the early careers team and a cohort of solicitor apprentices.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Key skills that I have developed are:
1. Time management: balancing university and working has improved my time management
2. Communication: part of my job involves communicating with team members internally, and also communicating externally via email and telephone
3. Technical skills: I have gained a range of legal technical skills such as drafting legal documents
1. Time management: balancing university and working has improved my time management
2. Communication: part of my job involves communicating with team members internally, and also communicating externally via email and telephone
3. Technical skills: I have gained a range of legal technical skills such as drafting legal documents
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
The programme is very well organised and structured, outlining a clear progression path. It is 6 years long. The first 4 years are spent completing a law degree part time, whilst the last 2 years involve studying towards the SQE. There are yearly rotations when on the job, allowing me to gain experience in a range of teams.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
The support received includes:
Early Careers team: me and my cohort will have regular catch ups with our manager where we can raise concerns / discuss any thing of interest
Apprentice Buddy: I have been paired with a second year apprentice and we have regular monthly catch ups
Supervisor: I have a supervisor in my team to over look my work, providing me support in my team
Early Careers team: me and my cohort will have regular catch ups with our manager where we can raise concerns / discuss any thing of interest
Apprentice Buddy: I have been paired with a second year apprentice and we have regular monthly catch ups
Supervisor: I have a supervisor in my team to over look my work, providing me support in my team
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
My training provider has provided me with a dedicated skills coach, who regularly checks in on me and to see how I am getting on. Every 2-3 months I will have a review with my skills coach and my supervisor to formally check my progression on the apprenticeship and provide me new targets to work towards.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
My qualification develops many transferable skills that will help me to perform better in my role. For example, written and oral communication and reading.
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
There are a range of people networks you can join, such as; Horizons, Mosaic, Law and more. These networks will host a range of events where you can meet other members. You are also able to get involved in the charity committee, helping to host events for charity. There is a weekly lunch time run club, and football and netball takes place after work. The London office has fortnightly office drinks allowing you to network with other colleagues.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend DLA Piper to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The firm has a friendly and collaborative culture, allowing you to learn and work with others often. The people networks and socials allow you to develop meaningful connections with colleagues. These aspects of the firm have been especially enjoyable whilst on the apprenticeship programme because I have been able to work with and learn from others from day one.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to DLA Piper?
1. Do your research. I carried out my research using the firms website, LinkedIn page and any other social media pages I could find. Try to find something that stands out to you, and be prepared to speak about this during the application process as a reason why you might want to work at DLA Piper.
2. Be organised. Ensure you stay on top of application deadlines as there will be multiple rounds to the application process.
2. Be organised. Ensure you stay on top of application deadlines as there will be multiple rounds to the application process.
