Reflections of a third year apprentice

In Year 13, I realised that my primary goal in studying law was to become a lawyer. Like many students, I initially believed that the only route to qualification involved going to university. However, my perspective changed after a conversation with a mentor, who was assisting with my university applications. They suggested that I explore legal apprenticeships.

One of the standout reasons for choosing Norton Rose Fulbright (NRF) was the firm’s dominance across multiple sectors. This has created the perfect learning environment for an apprentice eager to absorb knowledge. Working alongside some of the brightest and most skilled lawyers in the industry has been an unparalleled experience.

It’s not just the headline-grabbing, market-leading cases that make this apprenticeship special. It’s also the day-to-day interactions that enhance my understanding of the legal profession. Whether I’m listening in on or participating in client calls, attending court hearings, or discussing the intricacies of an assigned task, I’ve gained a wealth of practical knowledge that few others my age have the chance to acquire.

NRF is also committed to treating apprentices the same as trainees, as reflected in the Legal Apprenticeship Pledge which was established by the firm. This has meant that the responsibilities I have been given are identical to that of a trainee solicitor. Crucially, throughout my journey, I’ve been supported by talented and approachable colleagues who have helped me grow.

One of the unique aspects of NRF’s apprenticeship programme is its flexibility. Although I have been assigned to the Litigation and Disputes department, I have had the chance to sit with the Risk and Compliance (R&C) team and also the General Counsel (GC) department.

These experiences provided rare and valuable insights into the firm’s inner workings and its approach to client onboarding, sanctions-related inquiries, and internal processes and were invaluable in building my confidence and skills, setting me up for success when I returned to my core department in the Construction and Energy Disputes team.

The variety of tasks I’ve taken on during my apprenticeship so far has been incredible and to date my responsibilities have included:

• Organising witness statement translations
• Preparing exhibits of documents for submission
• Conducting comparative exercises to support legal submissions
• Drafting legal submissions
• Reviewing and creating graphical summaries for invoice-related tasks

One recent highlight involved preparing cross-examination notes and a corresponding bundle of documents for a partner, which were used the very next day in an arbitration trial. Seeing my work play a direct role in such a critical part of the case was immensely rewarding.

Outside of day-to-day tasks, I’ve also had the chance to attend national conferences and built strong relationships both in and out of the firm. A standout moment was attending the annual Black Counsel Forum conference, where I connected with some of the brightest Black solicitors and barristers in the world. Events like these, often sponsored by NRF, have been instrumental in broadening my perspective and inspiring me to aim even higher.

As I reflect on my journey so far, it’s hard to believe that I’m only in my third year. The experiences and opportunities I’ve had already exceed my expectations. The combination of practical experience, academic learning, and support from my colleagues has made my apprenticeship a truly transformative experience, and I can’t wait to see how it continues to shape my future.