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Higherin

Solicitor Apprentice Review

at Addleshaw Goddard

Degree Apprenticeship

Legal/Law

Leeds

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
My role is incredibly varied and involves supporting the team across a wide range of contentious matters, as well as contributing to a number of broader departmental projects.
I am currently involved in a large‑scale claims assessment project, where my responsibilities include reviewing individual heads of loss, reviewing disclosure, and drafting letters and other related correspondence.
On a day‑to‑day basis, I work closely with the paralegal group to support the progression of existing matters, including drafting requests for further information, and assisting with case preparation, ensuring matters are progressed efficiently and in line with required timelines.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I really enjoy my programme. The team are very friendly and supportive, which makes it a great environment to learn and develop in. There is also a wide range of opportunities to get involved in work and initiatives outside of my immediate role, which has made the experience both varied and rewarding.

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Yes, I have developed a number of new skills and strengthened existing ones through my programme. During my previous seat, I had the opportunity to be involved in large‑scale, and in some cases overseas, transactions from start to finish. This exposure enabled me to develop a strong understanding of how transactions are structured and progressed in practice.
I'm also able to build on my technical skills, including drafting and client communication, while also developing important soft skills such as organisation, attention to detail, and working collaboratively within a team. These skills have been highly transferable and continue to be applicable in my current role within the Disputes team.

Structure and Support

How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The programme is well structured overall. I rotate annually across different teams, which gives the apprenticeship a clear framework and allows me to gain a broad range of experience while developing new skills each year.
On the study side, the BPP element of the programme can sometimes be a little disorganised, particularly around exams and timetables. However, my BPP coach has been excellent and very supportive in helping to resolve any issues and providing clarity when needed. Overall, with the support in place, the programme remains manageable and well balanced.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I receive a high level of support from my employer. I have regular catch‑ups with my line manager, which provide consistent guidance, opportunities for feedback and support with both workload and development. I’ve also been involved in formal mentoring schemes, which have been really valuable in helping me navigate the apprenticeship route, build confidence and gain insight from more experienced colleagues. Overall, the structure and accessibility of support has made it much easier to balance work, study and ongoing professional development.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
I receive a strong level of support from my training provider. I have a dedicated coach who I catch up with each term to review my progress and ensure I’m on track towards my EPA. She’s always approachable and I’m able to contact her at any time, and responses are consistently quick and helpful.
In addition, the learning materials provided are very high quality and well suited to both learning and revision, which has been really useful alongside working. The combination of regular check‑ins, accessibility to support, and strong study resources has made the qualification process much more manageable.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
I feel that my qualification supports me well in performing my role more effectively. A good example is the legal research module, which has been directly applicable to my day‑to‑day work. It has strengthened my ability to research efficiently, assess the reliability and relevance of sources, and present findings clearly and practically. These skills translate directly into my role, particularly when assisting on matters that require accurate and well‑reasoned legal analysis, and have increased both my confidence and effectiveness at work.
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 plenty of extra‑curricular opportunities to get involved in at my firm. I’ve taken part in a number of initiatives alongside my role, and I’m currently a co‑lead of the firm’s Apprentice Society, which has been a great opportunity to support other apprentices and help shape events and initiatives for the apprentice community. I’ve also attended several professional networking events (in and outside of work), which have been really valuable for building connections, broadening my understanding of the profession and developing confidence outside of my day‑to‑day work.

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend Addleshaw Goddard to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Yes, I would absolutely recommend Addleshaw Goddard to a friend. I’ve had an amazing experience so far and feel I’ve learned a huge amount, both professionally and personally. The firm is very supportive, and everyone is genuinely willing to help you develop, ask questions, and grow in your role. I’ve met so many incredible people here, which has made the experience even more rewarding, and I can genuinely see myself staying at the firm for a long time.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Addleshaw Goddard?
I’d recommend taking the time to get a really good understanding of Addleshaw Goddard as a firm and the type of work we do. It’s important to have a good understanding of our clients and values, and to show genuine interest in why AG specifically appeals to you. I’d also advise building your commercial awareness, keeping up to date with current business and legal developments and being able to discuss how these might impact clients really helps demonstrate that you’re thinking beyond the law in practice.
In This Review
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