Hear from Ella Clarkson, Solicitor Apprentice in our Leeds office, about why she chose an apprenticeship and what she has learned so far.
When I was in college, I always assumed that I would go to university. It was the route most people around me were considering, and I hadn't really explored any alternatives. Looking back, I don't think I fully understood what an apprenticeship was or how it could lead to a professional career.
That changed when I completed work experience at AG. During this, I was introduced to the solicitor apprenticeship programme and learned more about how apprentices can combine studying with real legal work. It was a route I hadn't seriously considered before, but the more I learned, the more it appealed to me.
Why an apprenticeship?
For me, I was drawn to the idea of applying what I learned through my studies to real work. Being able to see how legal concepts operate in practice has helped me develop a deeper understanding of the profession that I might not have gained through lectures alone. When you see legal principles in your studies and then see how they are applied in real situations, I’ve found the learning becomes much more meaningful.
Another aspect that appealed to me was the opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals from the beginning of my career. Being surrounded by people at AG who are experts in their field provides a constant opportunity to learn. Whether it's through observing how colleagues approach their work, asking questions, or receiving feedback, there are countless opportunities to develop every day.
I was also excited by the prospect of taking on responsibility from an early stage. As an apprentice at AG, you are not simply observing from the side lines. You are part of a team, contributing to real work and developing valuable skills from day one. That sense of involvement, and being able to make a genuine contribution, has been one of the most rewarding parts of the experience so far.
What I've learned so far
Since starting my apprenticeship, I've developed a much better understanding of how a law firm operates and the importance of collaboration, communication and attention to detail. Before joining AG, I understood very little about the day-to-day realities of working within a professional environment, being able to experience this from 18 has been invaluable.
I've also developed skills beyond legal knowledge. Balancing work and study require organisation, time management and resilience. There are times when the workload can be demanding but learning how to manage competing priorities has been an invaluable skill that I will carry throughout my career.
Perhaps the biggest lesson I have learned is that professional development is about much more than technical knowledge. Being willing to learn, accepting feedback and adapting to new situations are all important parts of building a successful career. In my opinion, these are skills that cannot always be taught academically and are often best learned through experience.
Looking back
Whilst university remains a fantastic option and the right choice for many aspiring lawyers, my apprenticeship has allowed me to gain qualifications, practical experience and professional confidence simultaneously. So far, it has been a rewarding experience, and I look forward to continuing to learn and develop throughout the rest of my apprenticeship journey.
The support I've received at AG throughout my apprenticeship has played a huge role in my development, and I feel fortunate to be surrounded by people who are invested in my journey. Choosing an apprenticeship was the right decision for me, and I'm excited to see where the rest of the journey takes me.