In September 2023, Backhouse Solicitors announced that three of their talented team would be the first at Backhouse to enrol onto the Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship with BPP.
A year on, we wanted to catch up with George, Zoe and Alexandra and share their story of how they have been getting on during the first year.
The course involves us studying for a module one day a week, and then working the remainder. During my first year I had three modules: Public Law, Contract Law and Land Law.
I have fully enjoyed the first year of my apprenticeship, particularly when I started Land Law as this was linked to my role in commercial conveyancing. While we had to complete long exams for each module the university prepared me well for these. The most challenging part of the year was creating my portfolio, a compilation of work I had done in my job role to evidence certain apprenticeship standards.
While I still have a long way to go before finishing the 72-month course, I am looking forward to continuing with the programme in the future.
By undertaking an apprenticeship, I have one study day each week and work the remaining four which allows me to apply my learning as I go. I have enjoyed the apprenticeship so far, especially Contract Law as I work within the employment team and often draft contracts, policies and agreements for our clients. I also enjoy being able to undertake more complex tasks during my day-to-day work as my understanding and legal knowledge is continuing to increase. The apprenticeship also helps to develop required professional skills including, but not limited to, legal research, communication and time management.
I am excited to see how the workload changes as the years pass and how I will continue to develop professionally.
Taking on the new apprenticeship this past year has been an exciting experience, and I am eager to see what this next year and the rest of the course brings. Having a dedicated study day each week to revise, attend lectures and complete assignments has been beneficial and with my full-time role alongside this, has also further developed my professional skills.
Although I am currently enjoying studying dispute resolution as it links closely with my role at Backhouse, I have also benefitted from expanding my knowledge in other areas of law such as Public Law.
Being on this journey with my peers has inspired and motivated me, especially when preparing for exams and discussing more advanced topics.
It’s evident that our apprentices have certainly stepped up to the challenge! We are delighted that after the first year our three apprentices are enjoying the course so far. They have all demonstrated total commitment, plenty of enthusiasm and a true passion to learn.
The experts at Backhouse look forward to continuing to support them as they move into their second year.
Tel: 01245 893400
Email: info@backhouse-solicitors.co.uk
Visit: 17 Duke Street, Chelmsford, CM1 1JU
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