Graduate Solicitor Apprentice Review
at HMRC
Degree Apprenticeship
Legal/Law
London
Review Submitted: April 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
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
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 Graduate Solicitor Apprentice in HMRC’s Legal Group, working within the Operational Litigation team. My role involves supporting litigators on a range of tax dispute and tribunal cases, primarily appeals before the First-tier Tribunal.
On a day-to-day basis, I assist with managing live litigation by reviewing case papers, analysing evidence and legislation, and preparing core documents such as chronologies, Lists of Documents, Statements of Case, and Points at Issue. I regularly help to identify key factual and legal issues in cases and ensure documentation is accurate, well-structured and tribunal-ready.
I also support case progression by liaising with colleagues to clarify instructions, tracking deadlines, and updating internal case management systems. Alongside my litigation work, I balance formal study through my solicitor apprenticeship, applying legal theory directly to practical casework. This role has allowed me to develop strong legal analysis, drafting, and organisational skills while working on real cases with real impact.
On a day-to-day basis, I assist with managing live litigation by reviewing case papers, analysing evidence and legislation, and preparing core documents such as chronologies, Lists of Documents, Statements of Case, and Points at Issue. I regularly help to identify key factual and legal issues in cases and ensure documentation is accurate, well-structured and tribunal-ready.
I also support case progression by liaising with colleagues to clarify instructions, tracking deadlines, and updating internal case management systems. Alongside my litigation work, I balance formal study through my solicitor apprenticeship, applying legal theory directly to practical casework. This role has allowed me to develop strong legal analysis, drafting, and organisational skills while working on real cases with real impact.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I thoroughly enjoy my apprenticeship programme. From the outset, everyone has been incredibly kind, welcoming and supportive, which has made a significant difference to my experience. Starting the programme as part of a cohort of fellow apprentices has been particularly valuable, as it has provided a strong peer support network and a sense of shared learning and progression.
The programme offers excellent opportunities for development, both professionally and academically. I am able to apply my learning directly to real legal work, which makes the experience engaging and meaningful. I have also had access to exciting and enriching opportunities, such as attending Court of Appeal hearings at an early stage in my career, which has reinforced my enthusiasm for the profession.
Overall, I find the programme motivating, supportive and rewarding, and it has exceeded my expectations in terms of both learning and experience.
The programme offers excellent opportunities for development, both professionally and academically. I am able to apply my learning directly to real legal work, which makes the experience engaging and meaningful. I have also had access to exciting and enriching opportunities, such as attending Court of Appeal hearings at an early stage in my career, which has reinforced my enthusiasm for the profession.
Overall, I find the programme motivating, supportive and rewarding, and it has exceeded my expectations in terms of both learning and experience.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Yes, I have developed both existing skills and gained new ones through my apprenticeship. I entered the programme with prior experience in litigation from a private practice background, and the apprenticeship has allowed me to build on these skills and adapt them to a public law and tax litigation context.
In particular, I have strengthened my litigation skills by working on tribunal appeals, while developing new competencies such as identifying and refining points at issue, analysing complex case documents, and reviewing evidence effectively. I have also gained experience in drafting Statements of Case and other key litigation documents, ensuring they are clear, structured and legally sound.
These opportunities have significantly enhanced my legal analysis, drafting, and case preparation skills, and have helped me grow in confidence as a developing legal professional.
In particular, I have strengthened my litigation skills by working on tribunal appeals, while developing new competencies such as identifying and refining points at issue, analysing complex case documents, and reviewing evidence effectively. I have also gained experience in drafting Statements of Case and other key litigation documents, ensuring they are clear, structured and legally sound.
These opportunities have significantly enhanced my legal analysis, drafting, and case preparation skills, and have helped me grow in confidence as a developing legal professional.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
The programme is very well organised and clearly structured. From the first week, we were given a clear overview of how the apprenticeship would be set out, including key milestones, timelines, and expectations.
We were informed in advance of when we would be moving into new seats and teams, and how our skills and responsibilities would develop progressively throughout the apprenticeship. This clear structure and forward planning made it easy to understand how each stage of the programme fits into the overall qualification.
There is also excellent support in place. We have multiple points of contact if we are ever unsure about the programme or its structure, including dedicated apprenticeship managers who are very approachable and always available to answer questions. This has made the programme feel well supported, reassuring, and easy to navigate.
We were informed in advance of when we would be moving into new seats and teams, and how our skills and responsibilities would develop progressively throughout the apprenticeship. This clear structure and forward planning made it easy to understand how each stage of the programme fits into the overall qualification.
There is also excellent support in place. We have multiple points of contact if we are ever unsure about the programme or its structure, including dedicated apprenticeship managers who are very approachable and always available to answer questions. This has made the programme feel well supported, reassuring, and easy to navigate.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I receive a very high level of support from my employer. Throughout the apprenticeship, I have access to a wide network of support, including my line manager, apprenticeship managers, team managers, buddies from previous apprenticeship cohorts, and a senior sponsor within the organisation.
This means there is always someone appropriate to speak to for any query or issue that may arise, whether related to my role, development, or the structure of the programme. I have regular one‑to‑one catch‑ups with my line manager and buddy, which provide valuable opportunities for guidance, feedback and reflection.
As a result, I have felt incredibly supported throughout the apprenticeship so far. The combination of structured check‑ins and approachable points of contact has created a supportive and reassuring environment that enables me to develop with confidence.
This means there is always someone appropriate to speak to for any query or issue that may arise, whether related to my role, development, or the structure of the programme. I have regular one‑to‑one catch‑ups with my line manager and buddy, which provide valuable opportunities for guidance, feedback and reflection.
As a result, I have felt incredibly supported throughout the apprenticeship so far. The combination of structured check‑ins and approachable points of contact has created a supportive and reassuring environment that enables me to develop with confidence.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
I receive a good level of support from my training provider while working towards my qualifications. BPP provide structured teaching, learning materials and guidance which support my academic development alongside my role.
On occasion, responses to queries can be slower than expected. However, when this has happened, I have felt well supported through my employer. My HMRC apprenticeship manager has been able to liaise directly with BPP on my behalf, and my queries have then been resolved promptly.
Overall, the combination of support from BPP and strong employer‑led support has ensured that any issues are addressed effectively, allowing me to continue progressing confidently through my apprenticeship.
On occasion, responses to queries can be slower than expected. However, when this has happened, I have felt well supported through my employer. My HMRC apprenticeship manager has been able to liaise directly with BPP on my behalf, and my queries have then been resolved promptly.
Overall, the combination of support from BPP and strong employer‑led support has ensured that any issues are addressed effectively, allowing me to continue progressing confidently through my apprenticeship.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
My qualification through my training provider supports me very well in performing my role more effectively. The academic content complements my practical work, allowing me to apply legal theory directly to live cases and litigation tasks.
The programme has strengthened my understanding of litigation processes, legal analysis and drafting, which has directly improved my confidence and capability at work. For example, learning around case preparation, identifying issues and structured legal argument has supported me when analysing evidence and drafting Statements of Case and other tribunal documents.
Being able to immediately apply what I learn through my qualification to real casework makes the learning more engaging and meaningful, and has helped me develop as a more effective and well‑rounded legal professional.
The programme has strengthened my understanding of litigation processes, legal analysis and drafting, which has directly improved my confidence and capability at work. For example, learning around case preparation, identifying issues and structured legal argument has supported me when analysing evidence and drafting Statements of Case and other tribunal documents.
Being able to immediately apply what I learn through my qualification to real casework makes the learning more engaging and meaningful, and has helped me develop as a more effective and well‑rounded legal professional.
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, there are a wide range of extra‑curricular activities available at my workplace. HMRC offers many social and wellbeing groups that employees can get involved in, including walking groups, running groups, and lunchtime Pilates sessions, which support wellbeing and encourage connection across teams.
In addition to these social opportunities, there are also professional and developmental experiences available, such as team away days and the opportunity to attend court hearings. My cohort has already been able to attend hearings at senior courts, including the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court, which has been an exciting and valuable experience so early in our career.
These opportunities complement the apprenticeship well and contribute to a positive, engaging working environment that supports both personal wellbeing and professional development.
In addition to these social opportunities, there are also professional and developmental experiences available, such as team away days and the opportunity to attend court hearings. My cohort has already been able to attend hearings at senior courts, including the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court, which has been an exciting and valuable experience so early in our career.
These opportunities complement the apprenticeship well and contribute to a positive, engaging working environment that supports both personal wellbeing and professional development.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend HMRC to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I would highly recommend HMRC to a friend because of the genuinely supportive, inclusive and development‑focused working environment. From the outset, I have felt welcomed and encouraged by colleagues at all levels, creating a culture where people are approachable, kind and invested in each other’s success.
HMRC offers excellent opportunities for professional development, particularly for those at the start of their careers. As an apprentice, I have been trusted with meaningful work on real cases while being fully supported through structured supervision, regular one‑to‑one meetings and a strong wider support network.
There are also unique and exciting opportunities that enhance the overall experience, such as attending court hearings at senior courts including the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court, as well as access to wellbeing initiatives, social groups and development events.
Overall, HMRC provides a supportive culture, clear progression routes and a strong focus on learning and development, making it a workplace I would confidently recommend to others.
HMRC offers excellent opportunities for professional development, particularly for those at the start of their careers. As an apprentice, I have been trusted with meaningful work on real cases while being fully supported through structured supervision, regular one‑to‑one meetings and a strong wider support network.
There are also unique and exciting opportunities that enhance the overall experience, such as attending court hearings at senior courts including the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court, as well as access to wellbeing initiatives, social groups and development events.
Overall, HMRC provides a supportive culture, clear progression routes and a strong focus on learning and development, making it a workplace I would confidently recommend to others.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to HMRC?
My main advice would be to be authentic throughout the application process and to demonstrate a genuine interest in working in the public sector. It is important to understand how public sector legal work, particularly at HMRC, differs from private practice, and to be clear about why this is something you are motivated by.
When responding to behaviour‑based questions, I would strongly recommend using the STAR method. Providing clear and structured examples that explain the situation, task, action and result helps ensure your answers are focused and evidence‑based. It is also helpful to show where, how and why you have previously demonstrated the required behaviours.
Applicants should make full use of the Civil Service website to understand the skills and behaviours being assessed, and carefully review the job description and person specification. Tailoring your application to directly address each element of the person specification will help ensure you meet what HMRC is looking for and strengthen the overall quality of your application.
When responding to behaviour‑based questions, I would strongly recommend using the STAR method. Providing clear and structured examples that explain the situation, task, action and result helps ensure your answers are focused and evidence‑based. It is also helpful to show where, how and why you have previously demonstrated the required behaviours.
Applicants should make full use of the Civil Service website to understand the skills and behaviours being assessed, and carefully review the job description and person specification. Tailoring your application to directly address each element of the person specification will help ensure you meet what HMRC is looking for and strengthen the overall quality of your application.
