It's National Careers Week, this week we hear from Sophie Haywood.
As an SQE apprentice, it is important to reflect on my journey and also provide information for this new route into qualifying as a Solicitor. I am excited to share my experiences of navigating through this path as an apprentice. It's an exciting and challenging journey, I'm learning something new every day. This blog is to help share the questions I have asked myself throughout this apprenticeship to provide insight to others considering this as a career.
Q: What made you choose the SQE route?
A: For me, the SQE route offered a more practical and direct approach to qualifying. I had already completed my law degree and I knew I wanted to continue my path as a solicitor. I just didn’t know how to get there. Before I began my SQE apprenticeship, I was aware of several different options I could take to qualify. The main reason the apprenticeship was so appealing to me was that it meant I had dedicated hours to study my SQE whilst still learning and developing my skills practically at my firm. I wanted to gain real experience while studying, and the apprenticeship model allowed me to do just that. It also gave me an opportunity to network and work with other legal professionals, something I would not have been able to do if I was only studying.
Q: What does your day-to-day as an SQE apprentice look like?
A: It's a mix of practical legal work and learning. I usually have 1 dedicated day to read, prepare and attend workshops with my university online. I am then able to apply the knowledge and skills I have learned to my everyday work. A typical day in the office might involve:
- Drafting documents and preparing statements for clients
- Preparing legal research when undertaking new tasks
- Meeting and representing client’s during pre-proceeding meetings
- Shadowing solicitors and barristers at court hearings
- Assisting with case preparation
My apprenticeship also allows for regular ‘coaching’ sessions, where I will meet with my tutor at university and my supervisor at work. Usually, we reflect on how I have progressed during the apprenticeship and set any targets. These meetings are really useful in focusing on how I have developed and applied my skills to the work I produce.
Q: What is the most challenging aspect of the apprenticeship?
A: The biggest challenge I face is balancing my work and study whilst ensuring I am maintaining my wellbeing. It can be really demanding to juggle the workload as a full-time employee whilst also learning new practical areas of law that I am growing my experience in. I think the key is good time management and resilience to avoid becoming overwhelmed.
Q: What are your study methods and resources?
A: My main piece of advice is to stay organised! If you are not organised from the beginning, the workload can feel overwhelming. You should identify any key dates for exams or coursework submission to help you set realistic goals. It is also key to prepare for the workshops so you can effectively engage with the tutor and other students as this will help develop your knowledge even further.
Furthermore, as an apprentice, I am enrolled in a course that provides online materials, workshops and coaching sessions. I am able to contact my tutors and set up meetings with them if I am struggling on a certain piece of work. In preparation for any exams, I am able to complete mock assessments to help with any revision and to identify any areas for improvement.
Q: What advice would you give to someone considering the SQE as an apprentice?
A:It is always important to consider your own aspirations and limitations. If you don’t feel that studying and working is right for you, don’t do it! You should thoroughly research the SQE and apprenticeships to see whether this is the right path for you. Some firms don’t offer the SQE apprenticeship as a route to qualifying and so if you think this is a good path for you, find a law firm that will take you on!
You also need to be prepared for a long journey. The SQE apprenticeship is a total of 2.5 years, which may seem like a long time but it goes by so fast! If you are wanting a quicker studying route, this may not be the right option for you.
Finally, whilst you’re on this apprenticeship, it is important to connect with other apprentices and seek advise from experienced solicitors. If you surround yourself with motivated professionals, you will also succeed!
Q: What are your tips for success?
A: There are three key tips to succeed as an apprentice:
Time Management:
You should prioritise and schedule set study time to prepare for your workshops and exams. It is essential to stay organised during your apprenticeship so you are not overwhelmed!
Feedback:
It can be really beneficial to you as an apprentice to seek feedback from your tutors, colleagues and other solicitors to see how you can develop and better your skills. This will help you recognise your areas for development so you can focus on particular skills. I always find after receiving feedback that this motivates me for the future so I can be the best version of myself.
Wellbeing:
Whilst it is important to keep on top of your studying and workload, the main thing to keep in mind is your wellbeing. You should get enough sleep, stay healthy and take breaks when required. If you are not your best self, you’ll struggle with taking in all the knowledge and skills you need as a solicitor.
Q: What does the future hold for you?
A: I am heading towards the end of my apprenticeship now and it has flown by! I am currently focused on completing my final module and I am scheduled to take my SQE1 exams in July 2025. My ultimate goal is to qualify as a solicitor and take all the skills, knowledge and behaviours I have learned during my apprenticeship into my future career.
If you have any questions regarding the SQE route, please do not hesitate to contact me on s.haywood@timms-law.com.
