Solicitor Apprentice Review
at Fieldfisher LLP
Degree Apprenticeship
Commercial Law
Birmingham
Review Submitted: March 2026
Overall Rating
4.9 /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
4.8/5
-
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 am a Solicitor Apprentice in the Dispute Resolution team, supporting complex, high‑value contentious matters. I work on claims involving contractual disputes (including SPAs, insurance and reinsurance), professional negligence, competition issues and disability discrimination.
With experience across litigation, arbitration and mediation, I handle technically detailed disputes in sectors such as aviation, entertainment, leisure and education, often involving regulatory challenges and intricate contractual interpretation. My role spans case management, trial preparation and settlement negotiations, including drafting court documents, advising clients, managing disclosure and liaising with Counsel to ensure compliance with the civil procedure rules.
I focus on delivering practical, commercially driven solutions aligned with client objectives. My strong attention to detail and ability to manage competing priorities enable me to contribute effectively to multifaceted disputes, ensuring accurate, high‑quality outcomes. Through involvement in varied litigation processes, I aim to maintain excellent client service standards and support successful case strategies.
With experience across litigation, arbitration and mediation, I handle technically detailed disputes in sectors such as aviation, entertainment, leisure and education, often involving regulatory challenges and intricate contractual interpretation. My role spans case management, trial preparation and settlement negotiations, including drafting court documents, advising clients, managing disclosure and liaising with Counsel to ensure compliance with the civil procedure rules.
I focus on delivering practical, commercially driven solutions aligned with client objectives. My strong attention to detail and ability to manage competing priorities enable me to contribute effectively to multifaceted disputes, ensuring accurate, high‑quality outcomes. Through involvement in varied litigation processes, I aim to maintain excellent client service standards and support successful case strategies.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Over the course of this seat, I have developed both new skills and strengthened several existing ones. I have significantly built on my technical legal skills, particularly in areas such as drafting, disclosure management, and procedural compliance within litigation, arbitration and mediation. My understanding of contractual interpretation and regulatory frameworks has also deepened through exposure to complex, high‑value disputes.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
The programme is very well organised and structured. I’ve found the support throughout to be consistent and clear, and the processes in place make it easy to understand what is expected at each stage. Since has joined as the new Early Careers Advisor, the programme feels even more streamlined. has been brilliant — approachable, proactive, and really helpful in providing guidance whenever needed. She's always wanting the best for us and urging us to go for opportunities - she makes it known she's got our back!
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
at the University of Law is always there when needed, and we discuss both academics and work‑related matters. She helps ensure everything runs smoothly across both the work and university sides of the apprenticeship. The support feels incredibly genuine - almost like having a best friend guiding you through the process despite being my Skills Coach!
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
There are fewer extra‑curricular activities at the moment, but now that we’ve moved offices and are in the city centre, we are collectively planning to look into what new opportunities might be available. Excitingly, we’re also starting to build new networks through initiatives like HIVE, which will open up more social, professional and community‑focused activities to get involved in.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Fieldfisher LLP to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Yes, I would 100% recommend Fieldfisher LLP to a friend. The firm has a genuinely good balance between work and social life, and people are very understanding of your personal circumstances. There is never an expectation to take on anything unreasonable, and while the environment keeps you ambitious, it also encourages you to speak up if something is going on that requires you to take time away from work. The support and understanding make it a positive place to work.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Fieldfisher LLP?
If I were giving advice to others applying to Fieldfisher LLP, I would encourage them to be genuine and to let their personality come through in the application process. Fieldfisher values people who are enthusiastic, curious and willing to learn, so showing a real interest in the firm and its work goes a long way.
It’s also helpful to research the firm’s key sectors and recent matters, as this shows you understand the type of work you’d be involved in. Being able to link your experiences (whether academic, work-based or extra‑curricular) to the firm’s values and culture can make your application stand out. So research is important. Knowing why you want to apply to Fieldfisher specifically and not just any other law firm.
It’s also helpful to research the firm’s key sectors and recent matters, as this shows you understand the type of work you’d be involved in. Being able to link your experiences (whether academic, work-based or extra‑curricular) to the firm’s values and culture can make your application stand out. So research is important. Knowing why you want to apply to Fieldfisher specifically and not just any other law firm.
