Legal Support Assistant Review
at Citi
Degree Apprenticeship
Legal/Law
Belfast
Review Submitted: March 2026
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
As a second-year legal apprentice in Markets Legal Contract Management, central to my role is legal agreements related to financial market activities.
On a day-to-day basis, this involves a dynamic mix of responsibilities under the supervision of qualified lawyers. I am involved in:
Drafting and Reviewing: Assisting with the creation of amendments to contracts from templates and reviewing agreements from external parties to identify key terms, risks, and deviations from standard positions.
Supporting Negotiations: Helping senior lawyers prepare for negotiations by organizing documents, taking notes, and tracking amendments to legal agreements.
Liaison: Communicating with internal business teams (such as traders or sales) and the legal teams of external counterparties to handle queries and facilitate the contract execution process.
Research: Conducting legal and regulatory research to support my work on specific contractual points or new market practices.
On a day-to-day basis, this involves a dynamic mix of responsibilities under the supervision of qualified lawyers. I am involved in:
Drafting and Reviewing: Assisting with the creation of amendments to contracts from templates and reviewing agreements from external parties to identify key terms, risks, and deviations from standard positions.
Supporting Negotiations: Helping senior lawyers prepare for negotiations by organizing documents, taking notes, and tracking amendments to legal agreements.
Liaison: Communicating with internal business teams (such as traders or sales) and the legal teams of external counterparties to handle queries and facilitate the contract execution process.
Research: Conducting legal and regulatory research to support my work on specific contractual points or new market practices.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I find my role as a legal apprentice in Markets Legal Contract Management incredibly rewarding because it places me at the dynamic intersection of law and finance. I enjoy the intellectual challenge of dissecting complex agreements and understanding how they underpin critical business activities. It's a role where I am constantly learning, applying my academic studies to real-world scenarios, and seeing the tangible impact of my work. Being part of a team that navigates high-stakes environments and contributes directly to the firm's success is a fantastic learning experience.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
My apprenticeship provides a powerful combination of skills: my degree provides the foundational legal knowledge, while my role at Citi teaches me how to apply that knowledge in a commercial context to protect the firm and facilitate business.
Through my degree and my role within Citi, I have learnt how to conduct Legal Research to analyze complex matters and form well-reasoned conclusions.
I have also strengthened my ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including internal business teams, senior lawyers, and external counterparties. Thus, an invaluable asset, I hope to develop as I progress in my career.
Further, I have developed crucial professional skills, including how to manage a demanding workload, prioritize tasks, and collaborate effectively as part of a high-performing legal team.
Through my degree and my role within Citi, I have learnt how to conduct Legal Research to analyze complex matters and form well-reasoned conclusions.
I have also strengthened my ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including internal business teams, senior lawyers, and external counterparties. Thus, an invaluable asset, I hope to develop as I progress in my career.
Further, I have developed crucial professional skills, including how to manage a demanding workload, prioritize tasks, and collaborate effectively as part of a high-performing legal team.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
The structure of my apprenticeship program is a testament to the thoughtful collaboration between senior managers at Citi and my university's academic officials. This partnership ensures the program is exceptionally well-integrated, allowing me to apply the legal theories from my studies to the practical, day-to-day tasks within the Markets Legal team. This cohesive approach creates a seamless and supportive learning journey, effectively bridging the gap between education and a professional legal career.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
The support I receive from the management team at Citi has been a cornerstone of my apprenticeship experience. My managers are not only experts in their field but are also genuinely invested in my professional growth. They foster a supportive environment where I feel comfortable asking questions and am encouraged to take on new challenges. Their guidance is invaluable, providing me with regular feedback and mentorship that directly contributes to my development. This commitment from leadership empowers me to make the most of my role and solidifies my confidence as I build my legal career.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
The support from my university is a crucial element of my apprenticeship's success. The academic staff and tutors are not only experts in their respective legal fields but are also incredibly approachable and dedicated to helping apprentices succeed. They provide robust academic guidance that complements my on-the-job training, ensuring I have a strong theoretical foundation for the practical work I undertake at Citi. This consistent and accessible support system is instrumental in helping me balance the demands of my legal studies with my professional responsibilities.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
My academic studies for my law degree provide the essential theoretical framework that underpins my practical work at Citi. Understanding foundational principles allows me to grasp the 'why' behind the legal drafting and risk management I'm involved in daily, enabling me to perform my role more effectively and with greater confidence. Furthermore, the discipline required to balance a demanding job with rigorous academic study is invaluable. This experience is not just about managing my time; it's building the resilience and work ethic that will be essential when I prepare for and undertake my solicitor exams in the coming years, setting a strong foundation for future success.
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
I was proud to have the opportunity to represent the firm at a recent apprenticeship event at my university, where I could share my positive experiences and insights with prospective students. This is just one example of the many extra-curricular activities available at Citi, which strongly encourages employees to get involved beyond their day-to-day responsibilities. There is a wide array of initiatives to join, from participating in employee networks that champion diversity and inclusion to engaging in community volunteering and mentorship programs.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Citi to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I would definitely recommend Citi to a friend. The program itself seamlessly integrates meaningful, hands-on experience at the heart of the financial markets with rigorous academic study. It's an environment where you are encouraged to learn and grow every day, providing an unparalleled foundation for a successful and rewarding legal career.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Citi?
My advice to anyone finishing school and considering a legal apprenticeship would be to embrace every opportunity with enthusiasm and curiosity. Don't be afraid to ask questions; every task is a learning experience. Develop strong organizational skills early on, as balancing work and study is a key part of the journey. The more diverse your extra-curricular profile is, in addition to your academic success, the more highly sought after you will be.
