Solicitor Apprentice Review
at Historic Royal Palaces
Degree Apprenticeship
Commercial Law, Legal/Law
London EC3N 4AB, UK
Review Submitted: October 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
-
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 really enjoy my role, particularly because I’m trusted with a meaningful level of responsibility and autonomy. On a day-to-day basis, I support contract management by updating records, coordinating electronic signatures, and liaising with stakeholders regarding renewals. I also conduct credit checks, draft and review both standard and complex contract templates, prepare variation agreements, carry out legal research, and respond to ad hoc legal queries.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I've been thoroughly enjoying the apprenticeship programme at HRP. What stands out most for me is the strong apprentice cohort, which provides a great sense of peer support and community. I also really appreciate that managers at HRP actively strive to support apprentices by undertaking the mentorship apprenticeship themselves - it's encouraging to see that commitment to development at every level.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I joined the role with limited legal knowledge, but thanks to the guidance and support of my amazing manager, I’ve learned so much and grown significantly. Over time, I’ve developed key skills including administration, communication, and contract review. I’m continuously working on improving my legal writing and drafting skills, which remain a core focus for me. I’ve also had the opportunity to explore different areas of law and have been concentrating on strengthening my understanding of intellectual property, data protection, and insurance law.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
The programme is very well structured. I work in the office three days a week, work remotely one day a week, and have a dedicated study day. At the start of the apprenticeship, my manager was incredibly supportive and allowed me to trial different days to find what worked best for my study schedule. As a result, I’ve been able to tailor the structure of the programme to suit my needs, which has made a real difference to my learning and productivity.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I've found that HRP offers a strong support network and incredible opportunities for progression and growth. My manager and I have regular one-to-one catch-ups, which have been invaluable. I also know I can turn to fellow apprentices, our Early Careers Manager, other colleagues, and even my Head of Department whenever I need support. That level of accessibility and encouragement has made a real difference to my experience.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
The lecturers at BPP University have been excellent, and I’ve found all the workshops so far to be extremely helpful. I really value how accessible the lecturers are - it’s easy to follow up with them and ask questions whenever I need support.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
As I progress through more modules in my degree, I’m gaining a deeper understanding of the contextual theory and reasoning behind the work I do in practice. This has helped me feel more confident in the advice I give and the decisions I make at work. Selecting modules that align with my role, such as Commercial Practice, has been especially beneficial in bridging academic learning with real-world application.
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, we regularly have social activities at work - whether within the apprentice cohort, our individual teams, or across the wider organisation. There are also employee networks such as the Inclusivity Network and Lean In Circles, both of which I’m actively involved in. These initiatives have really helped foster a sense of community and support.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Historic Royal Palaces to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Historic Royal Palaces is an incredible place to work - and an even better organisation to start your career with. No two days are the same! With activity across six palaces, there’s always something happening, from events and exhibitions to royal celebrations and festivals. What truly sets HRP apart is its culture: it’s exceptionally friendly, collaborative, and supportive.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Historic Royal Palaces?
My best advice is to thoroughly understand the job role you’re applying for at HRP. Ask yourself: can you see yourself doing this every day? Take the time to carefully read through the responsibilities and requirements. By gaining a clear understanding, you’ll not only know what HRP is looking for but also what will be expected of you. This preparation will help you confidently highlight why you’re the best candidate for the job during the interview. Best of luck!
