Solicitor Apprentice Review
at DLA Piper
Degree Apprenticeship
Legal/Law
Birmingham
Review Submitted: March 2025
Overall Rating
5 /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
5/5
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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 am currently in the Corporate team. My day-to-day involves compiling DD reports, emailing specialists for reports, drafting ancillaries (for example, board minutes, written resolutions). I also assist on post-completion tasks - for example, filings with Companies House and compiling the Bible.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
My programme has exceeded my expectations. The whole office is really friendly and supportive which has created a fantastic environment to learn in as an apprentice. I complete tasks that are vital to deals which gives me responsibility, and I learn from fee earners at different points of their careers.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have learned many new skills:
Legal skills - drafting, compiling DD reports, compiling Bibles and drafting the post-completion Key Dates document.
Professional Skills - communication via email, telephone and in-person, attendance notes from sitting in on calls and learning how to present myself and speak to clients.
Legal skills - drafting, compiling DD reports, compiling Bibles and drafting the post-completion Key Dates document.
Professional Skills - communication via email, telephone and in-person, attendance notes from sitting in on calls and learning how to present myself and speak to clients.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
My programme is very well structured - we spend one year in each seat for the first four years, then six months in each seat whilst doing the SQE exams. We can connect and learn from teams at a slower pace than trainees - this has been very positive for my development.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
We receive great support - I have a supervisor, apprentice buddy and Early Careers reaches out regularly to ensure we are okay. We have calls with Early Careers to answer any questions, and frequent one-on-one meetings in which we can share any concerns and receive advice and support.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
DLA Piper gives us one day off a week to complete our studies, which works well. On this day, we are contacted by our teams regarding work which allows us to focus on our degree. DLA also makes sure we receive our exam leave days off.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
My qualification is vital to my improvement, as each module we cover increases my understanding of the law and how it applies in reality. I can transfer my knowledge from university to my daily tasks which means I can exercise my knowledge in a real-time legal environment.
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
We can join the netball or football teams, and there are wellness activities frequently. Teams go out socially at least once a month, and DLA hosts regular networking events, many of which are aimed at junior lawyers. We hold many charity events too which create social opportunities for colleagues.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend DLA Piper to a friend?
Yes
Why?
DLA Piper is a very supportive and diverse firm, which has a specific focus on juniors to help us succeed. The firm is receptive to our thoughts (as apprentices) and ensures that the programme and firm operates in a manner that welcomes and educates us.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to DLA Piper?
I would recommend being genuine and being yourself. Everyone at DLA celebrates their own individuality and what they can bring to the team. Moreover, I would suggest checking our values. At DLA, we all strongly believe in our values and they are crucial to how we operate.
