Solicitor Apprentice Review
at DLA Piper
Degree Apprenticeship
Legal/Law
Manchester
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 involves drafting documents, liaising with clients over email and attending meetings and calls and completing legal research.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I enjoy the practical experience I get from the apprenticeship programme - something which cannot be taught in a classroom.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
The main skills I have learnt throughout my apprenticeship programme include:
- Drafting
- Research
- Networking
- Organisation and Project Management
- Analytical and Reviewing
- Client Communication
- Drafting
- Research
- Networking
- Organisation and Project Management
- Analytical and Reviewing
- Client Communication
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
The programme is structured well with one off the job day per week devoted to university studies. The programme covers all the legal knowledge required to practice as a solicitor.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
My employer offers a generous study leave policy for the academic side, a buddy programme when I initially joined the firm, a dedicated Apprentice Business Sponsor to support with apprenticeship queries, an Early Careers team who deliver training to prepare us for qualification and specialist supervisors for each department I have worked with. There is lots of support at the firm.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
University of Law provide a dedicated skills coach who I meet with virtually every 3 months to check on progression, but I can always email with questions in the interim. We receive updates on exam timetables and study skill days. The only drawback is we are on a fully remote course, which can sometimes make asking questions more difficult especially if watching lectures on recordings rather than live if they clash with work schedules.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
Working towards my degree with my training provider has given me the base legal knowledge to perform my role, and I can link what I study at university and relate this to my role in practice.
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
My firm offers various networks you can join which are intended to be relatable and provide a support system for causes you are interested in (for example, social mobility, parents and carers, women in law etc). The firm hosts regular social events both for individual teams and whole office events giving you an opportunity to socialise and connect with colleagues, and in addition, work encourages apprentices to join external professional networks such as Manchester Young Professionals.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend DLA Piper to a friend?
Yes
Why?
DLA Piper have supported me throughout my legal career, providing opportunities to expand my network, gain experience and learn from others.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to DLA Piper?
Consider the values we celebrate at DLA Piper and tailor your application to align with the culture we are trying to promote; being bold, collaborative, supportive and exceptional.
