Solicitor Apprentice Review
at Addleshaw Goddard
Degree Apprenticeship
Legal/Law
Leeds
Review Submitted: April 2026
Overall Rating
4 /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!
4/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
4/5
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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:
4/5
I am currently based in the Transactional Real Estate team. Day to day my role primarily involves assisting solicitors with property management transactions. For example, helping to draft documents (such as licences, leases, rent review documents), carrying out searches against pieces of land/properties, and responding to enquiries about a property when a sale is taking place. The job is much more hands on than I expected, right from the start I was given responsibilities of my own which was really exciting. I will rotate to a different team annually which gives apprentices the opportunity to try other areas of law.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I love my programme, and am satisfied that a degree apprenticeship was the right choice for me. There is a great network of other apprentices at the firm which has helped me to settle into my role and feel supported at all times. There is also a great culture amongst the wider team, I have always felt able to ask questions, or ask to be involved in work that I have an interest in. I am confident that my development will be well supported throughout my 6-year programme. I particularly enjoy that apprentices rotate around different areas, as this keeps the work interesting and opens up new opportunities constantly.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
Even in a short period of time, I have noticed a significant improvement in some of my key skills. Specifically, my soft skills. Being exposed to working within a highly-respected, international firm from early in my career, I have had the opportunity to network with, and learn from experienced individuals. My confidence in all types of communication - written and verbal - has quickly grown and this is a skill that I will use everyday. In terms of technical skills, my digital literacy has significantly improved.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
I have been very satisfied with the structure of the programme. The firm has extensive experience employing apprentices, so the programme has a clear framework, and the expectations of the role are laid out. I have regular catch-ups with my line manager, as well as with more senior leadership figures which help to highlight my areas of focus.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I feel extremely supported by my employer, I have regular catch-ups with my line manager who is able to provide feedback and supports me with any queries that I raise. There is also an Apprentice Society run by the apprentices themselves, this internal network of apprentices has enabled me to learn from people who have already experienced what I am going through. In terms of training, the firm provides vast resources via sharepoint and there are also dedicated knowledge lawyers who can assist with queries.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
I have no complaints about quality of the training delivered by BPP through weekly lectures, and the quality of their learning resources. However, I think that the BPP Hub where the learning resources and support can be found is difficult to navigate and means that sometimes resources can be missed. Communication with staff is sometimes quite slow, however this varies and I have had some very positive experiences with the staff, and my coaches. The Progress Review Meetings between my BPP coach, and work line manager have been useful for my development.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
I think that there has been limited crossover between the modules that I have studied so far in my course, and my role in Transactional Real Estate. As such, it has not significantly improved my performance, however basic principles of the law have helped me to understand certain elements. In particular, why certain phrases are used, and what the consequences of certain errors may be. I think my qualification training will help me in my role more as I progress throughout the programme, and the learning aligns better with the seat that I am in.
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 numerous activities/social events to be involved in. The firm has specific D&I initiatives, such as the SMART network (Social Mobility), the Vine (supporting women in the firm), as well as neuro diversity networks and many others. The charity and events committee plan and host a range of events for colleagues to sign up to. Overall, I have found the culture at the firm to be very inclusive, and often oriented around encouraging people to socialise and get involved with wider contribution opportunities. I recently attended a networking event for young professionals in the business which featured a discussion around cyber security.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Addleshaw Goddard to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I would recommend Addleshaw Goddard because of the inclusive culture, the structured approach of the programme, and the exposure to high-value work. I have always felt welcomed, and supported by my team which has encouraged me to take on responsibility and become involved in complex tasks early in my apprenticeship. The many opportunities to socialise, and take part in wider contribution opportunities has also enhanced my experience.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Addleshaw Goddard?
I would advise that applicants focus on highlighting why their previous experiences/current skills would be applicable to the role. Applicants should not be discouraged if their previous experience seems irrelevant to a career in law. The main focus should be on applying the skills that they gained from those experiences to the role that they are applying for. I would also encourage reading up on the type of work the firm do, and what the firm's values are. This would demonstrate a keen interest in the firm which would be well-received.
