A solicitor apprentice's guide to acing your application

Lynn is a 1st year solicitor apprentice in Shoosmiths’ Birmingham office. Here she shares her advice to aspiring solicitor apprentices embarking on the recruitment process and how to shine in the application form.

Researching opportunities:

With solicitor apprenticeships on the rise, more aspiring legal professionals are turning to this route as a viable alternative to university—offering hands-on experience and direct access to the legal field. Given this, it is increasingly important not only to have a strong application but to explore all available opportunities. When I first started researching solicitor apprenticeships, I did not know which websites to use, so I simply ran Google searches. However, I quickly realised that relying solely on Google was limiting, so I expanded my search to other websites. With help from family, friends, The Black Apprentice Network (BAN), and social media, I found valuable resources like gov.uk, UCAS, and law firm websites. Social media networks, such as City Century, also helped me identify which law firms offered solicitor apprenticeships.

Once I had a list of firms, I set a realistic target for how many to focus on and research. At the time, I was juggling A-Levels, finishing my UCAS personal statement, and dealing with personal challenges, so I needed to avoid overwhelming myself. I applied to my set list of firms whilst balancing school deadlines, internal exams, and my personal statement. This was a huge achievement, and it made me realise that securing an apprenticeship was within reach.

Applying your knowledge: 

Preparing for application season was another challenge. I was one of the few at my school applying for apprenticeships, as university wasn’t appealing to me. Additionally, being the first in my family to pursue a legal career, I had no idea what the application process would entail. I still remember my first application—it was tragic. I did not reread my answers, submitted it seconds before the deadline, and didn’t research the firm. Unsurprisingly, I didn’t make it to the next stage. However, continued my research, my applications improved, and eventually, I was offered an apprenticeship at Shoosmiths.

To aspiring solicitor apprentices, here’s my advice for applying:

• Personalise your applications: Don’t copy and paste. Even if questions are similar across firms, tailor your answers to reflect each firm’s values and priorities.
• Meaningful research: Don’t just research a firm for the sake of it. Tie your research to your personal experiences or passions. This helps the firm see how you align with their purpose and values.
• Time management: Whether applying in a gap year or Year 13, apprenticeship applications are more complex than UCAS. Each firm requires a separate application, so stay on top of deadlines for both school and law firms.
• Rejection is redirection: It may sound cliché, but it’s true. Reflect on what didn’t work and improve your next application. Don’t be discouraged by rejection; use it as a learning experience.
• Show don’t tell: Instead of saying, “I like your company,” explain why you’re enthusiastic about the firm and what excites you about working there.
• Leverage any work experience: Whether your experience is legal or not, focus on the skills you gained and how they’re relevant to the firm you’re applying to.

Preparing for assessment centres:

Finally, assessment centres. This is often the last step before receiving an offer. Shoosmiths was the only firm where I made it to this stage, so it’s possible to succeed even without experience in assessment centres. Preparation is key, reread your application, research the firm again, and practice interview Q&As. But just as important, is being yourself on the day. There is no point in pretending to be someone you’re not, especially when you’ll be at the firm for over six years. Be authentic and show assessors who you really are. Assessment centres can include a variety of tasks—group exercises, case studies, and interviews. Staying calm and confident, despite the pressure, is crucial. My best advice is to engage actively during group discussions, ask thoughtful questions during the interview, and always stay true to your personality.

Looking back, the process was challenging, but every rejection and every moment of uncertainty helped shape the person and professional I am today. If you stay focused, believe in your capabilities, and take each step as a learning opportunity, the possibilities are endless. To all aspiring apprentices, legal or otherwise, good luck with your applications! With determination, confidence, and patience, everything is possible.

You may also be interested to read Laura’s blog where she discusses all of the opportunities available at Shoosmiths.

If you have any questions you can email us at [email protected] or have a look at some frequently asked questions here.

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