How to make the most of every opportunity during your solicitor apprenticeship

Nathan is a 1st year solicitor apprentice in Shoosmiths’ Birmingham office. Here he shares how being an open and friendly colleague around the office can lead to amazing opportunities.

A common misconception about Solicitor Apprenticeships is that success is solely about hard work, long hours, and keeping your head down. While these elements are important, opportunities often arise in the most unexpected places. Sometimes, they come when you are not even thinking about work – like during a simple trip to grab some sweets.

A few weeks ago, I decided to take a quick break and grab some sweets from the above floor. It was intended to be a brief mental reset – nothing more than a few minutes away from my work.

On the way to the stairs, I noticed two of the firm’s partners engaged in conversation nearby. I hesitated for a moment, wondering if I should rush past or say a quick hello.

Opting for the latter turned out to be the best decision of the day. What began as a polite greeting quickly evolved into a full conversation. We discussed my experience at the firm, current projects, and areas of interest in law. It was a casual chat that felt refreshing.

Unexpectedly, one of the partners extended an invitation to a networking event that evening with employees and clients. I was pleasantly surprised. Moments earlier, I had been thinking about grabbing some sweets, and suddenly I was invited to an exclusive event with senior staff and clients. This opportunity arose simply because I was willing to stop for a chat.

The power of being present

That day underscored the importance of being present. In the legal industry, it is easy to get caught up in the grind, always focused on the next task or deadline. However, sometimes the best opportunities come when one is simply present in the moment, open to interaction, and willing to engage with those around them - even when it is not planned.

Had I rushed past the partners or decided to grab sweets at a different time, that conversation would have been missed. But by taking a chance and making that small connection, it led to something bigger than anticipated.

The networking event was an eye-opener. I met people from different departments, gained new perspectives on the firm, and had insightful conversations with clients. It was a relaxed, organic event and the perfect opportunity to build relationships in a more informal setting.

Authentic networking starts with conversations

This experience highlighted that networking is not always about chasing down every possible opportunity. Sometimes, it is as simple as being open to everyday interactions. The most authentic connections often come from casual conversations - the kind that happen by chance, like by the sweet jars on the 12th floor.

It serves as a reminder that not every interaction needs to be forced into a “networking” box. Sometimes, just being yourself, showing interest, and being willing to talk can lead to unexpected opportunities. The beauty of it lies in the unpredictability - you never knows when a random chat will turn into a significant opportunity.

A sweet lesson

For anyone reading this, the advice is simple: take the stairs, grab the sweets, say hello. Whether it is by the kitchen, in the lift, or during a coffee break, those small, seemingly insignificant moments can lead to some of the best opportunities.

So, next time a break is needed, consider it a chance to engage, connect, and perhaps land a seat at the next big event—all because of being in the right place at the right time, with the right mindset.

After all, sometimes all it takes to get invited to a networking event is a sweet tooth and a bit of curiosity.

Take a look at our other recent posts, or if you have any questions specifically about training contracts, you might find your answer on our FAQ page.

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

To stay up to date with the latest information about the firm, follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and sign up to our mailing list.