My Journey as a Solicitor Apprentice in Dispute Resolution

As part of National Apprenticeship Week, we caught up with Oliver McPartland, who started with the firm in 2023 as Solicitor Apprentice.

As a second-year solicitor apprentice, my experience so far has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding.

Since joining the firm’s Dispute Resolution team in September 2023, I have gained invaluable insight into the legal profession, developed key skills, and had opportunities that many law students following the traditional university route may not encounter until years later.

Immersing Myself in Dispute Resolution:

From the very beginning of my apprenticeship, I was given a significant level of responsibility. Within just two months, I was entrusted with handling my own files, of course, under the supervision of experienced colleagues. This level of exposure so early on accelerated my learning and gave me a real understanding of what it takes to work in litigation.

Stepping into a law firm with no prior legal experience can certainly feel daunting.

There’s a lot to learn, and the fast-paced nature of litigation means that no two days are the same. However, the support and guidance from senior members of the team have made a huge difference. Working alongside experienced solicitors has not only helped me build confidence but has also allowed me to develop essential skills much faster than I expected.

A Key Benefit of Apprenticeships:

One of the biggest advantages of the solicitor apprenticeship route is the real-world experience it provides. In just my first year, I have had opportunities that many law students may not encounter until much later in their careers.

For example, I have had the chance to manage my own files, attend client meetings, and even communicate directly with clients and other parties via phone and email. Developing strong client care skills is essential for any solicitor and being able to build these skills from the outset of my career has been a huge benefit.

Perhaps the most significant milestone so far has been undertaking my own hearing and attending the High Court in Manchester for an injunction application on one of my own files.

Having the chance to be involved in such high-level legal proceedings at this stage in my career is something I truly appreciate. It’s a testament to how hands-on the apprenticeship route is, providing practical exposure that goes beyond what a traditional university route might offer.

Balancing Work and Study:

Alongside my work at the firm, I am also studying towards my LLB degree with the University of Law. So far, I have covered key areas such as Tort, Contract, and Public Law. The connection between my studies and my day-to-day work has been incredibly beneficial.

For example, studying contract law has directly supported my work in litigation, where I often deal with contract disputes. Having a solid academic foundation in this area has made it easier to understand the complexities of these cases, and applying my learning to real scenarios has reinforced my understanding far more than just reading textbooks ever could.

Why the Solicitor Apprenticeship Route?

Choosing the solicitor apprenticeship route has been one of the best decisions I’ve made.

The combination of hands-on experience and academic study offers a well-rounded approach to learning the law.

Unlike the traditional university route, where students primarily focus on theoretical knowledge before entering the workplace, the apprenticeship allows me to build my legal knowledge while actively working on cases and engaging with clients.

The financial benefits are also worth noting. Earning while learning means avoiding the significant debt that comes with university tuition fees and gaining practical experience from the outset gives me a head start in my career.

A Great Place to Work:

For anyone considering a solicitor apprenticeship, I would highly recommend looking into opportunities at Jacksons.

The firm strikes a perfect balance between being a professional, high-quality legal environment and a friendly, supportive workplace. The culture here has made my experience more enjoyable, and I feel fortunate to be part of such a great team.

Looking Ahead:

As I continue my apprenticeship, I am excited to keep learning, developing my skills, and taking on new challenges in the field of dispute resolution. Come September, I am set to make the move to the Corporate and Commercial department where again, I start from scratch and get to grips with working in a new area of law. I am looking forward to starting my role in this seat.

For aspiring solicitors who are considering their options, I can’t recommend the apprenticeship route enough. If you’re looking for a path that combines academic learning with real-world legal experience, it’s worth exploring.