Tips for anyone considering an apprenticeship
In September 2023, I began my journey as a graduate solicitor apprentice at Browne Jacobson. Now, a year and a half in, I want to share some key lessons that have helped me navigate the legal apprenticeship. Whether you’re just starting or considering this route, here are my top tips to help you make the most of your experience.
1. Understand the value of time
Time is one of the most important currencies in the legal profession. As an apprentice, tasks will often take longer than expected, and that’s completely normal. It’s easy to feel frustrated when those around you seem to be working faster, but don’t compare your progress to theirs.
Instead of asking, "why is this taking me so long?" focus on getting it right. Your colleagues would rather you take the time to complete a task accurately than rush and make avoidable mistakes. Be patient with yourself—you’ll soon notice how much your efficiency improves. Even small wins, like drafting an email better than you could a few weeks ago, are signs of progress.
2. The power of speaking up
Asking for help isn’t a weakness—it’s a strength. At the start of my apprenticeship, I felt overwhelmed, taking on more than I could manage because I thought long hours were the norm. I worked weekends in silence, hesitant to admit I was struggling.
A turning point came when I missed a deadline after underestimating the time required for a task. When I finally spoke to a colleague, they reassured me that asking for more time or clarifying expectations was completely acceptable. This lesson was invaluable. Communicating openly helps manage workload, prevents burnout, and ultimately benefits both you and your team. Remember, you’re not alone; your colleagues are there to support you.
3. Finding the right balance
Balancing work, study, and personal life can be challenging, but it’s essential. Initially, I focused so much on work and studying that I neglected downtime. It wasn’t until a long weekend break that I realised how much I needed to recharge. Stepping back, reading a book, and spending time with family reminded me that rest is just as valuable as hard work.
Now, I make it a priority to schedule activities that help me unwind—whether it’s a walk in the woods with my partner and our dog or simply switching off for an evening. Prioritising self-care helps maintain productivity and motivation in the long run.
An apprenticeship is a journey of both professional and personal growth. Learning to manage time, speak up when needed, and find a healthy balance has been crucial in shaping my experience. If you’re considering an apprenticeship, remember: progress takes time, support is always available, and taking care of yourself is just as important as succeeding in your role.
You may be interested in...
Opinion - Future Lawyer blog
Tips for anyone considering an apprenticeship
Opinion - Future Lawyer blog
From medicine to law: Gaveena’s journey
Opinion - Future Lawyer blog
Summer Vacation Scheme 2024: Sophie Ewin
Opinion - Future Lawyer blog
Summer Vacation Scheme 2024: James Sanderson
Opinion - Future Lawyer blog
Summer Vacation Scheme 2024: Leah Grosvenor
Opinion - Future Lawyer blog
A week in the life as a Pupil Barrister at Browne Jacobson
Opinion - Future Lawyer blog
A week in the life of a solicitor apprentice at Browne Jacobson
Opinion - Future Lawyer blog
Solicitor apprenticeship: Dispelling the myths
Opinion - Future Lawyer blog
Tips on applying for a solicitor apprenticeship
Opinion - Future Lawyer blog
Advice for those considering a legal apprenticeship
Opinion - Future Lawyer blog
Hints and tips to help you apply for a Solicitor Apprenticeship
Opinion - Future Lawyer blog
A day in the life of our Solicitor Apprentice Laura Morland
Opinion - Future Lawyer blog
Why consider an apprenticeship over going to university?
Opinion - Future Lawyer blog
Training diary – Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge
On Saturday 14th May, 17 Browne Jacobson trainees walked 24 miles around the three highest peaks in the Yorkshire Dales to raise money for our five office charities.
Opinion - Future Lawyer blog
International Men's Day - a time to talk
This article is intended to start a discussion on the International Men’s Day UK themes.
Opinion - Future Lawyer blog
Vacation scheme 2021 - Shania Hussain
Having initially experienced a glimpse of the firm’s inclusivity during a University mentoring BAME scheme, I am pleased to have experienced that Browne Jacobson’s friendly and inclusive culture is the firm’s “beating heart”.
Opinion - Future Lawyer blog
2021 vacation scheme – an entire commercial law firm right here in my living room!
Like most law students, trainees and new starters, it was all virtual for us on the 2021 Browne Jacobson vacation scheme. 2020’s scheme had been cancelled so we were the first virtual cohort, mostly attending from our homes.
Opinion - Future Lawyer blog
Reflecting on my time with Browne Jacobson
From the outset, I was drawn to Browne Jacobson for the variety and quality of work undertaken, the inherently friendly culture and the responsibility handed to trainees at an early stage in their contract.
Opinion - Future Lawyer blog
Meet our Vacation Scheme student - Lydia
I’m a vacation schemer at Browne Jacobson – how exciting is it to write that? I’ve been having a fascinating and exciting time seeing everything I’ve learnt in my LLB course put into practice- and quite a lot more besides!
Opinion - Future Lawyer blog
2021 vacation scheme – making a genuine contribution
My experience has been hugely positive. Every person I have spoken to, whether a partner, associate, or trainee, has been incredibly welcoming and supportive.
Opinion - Future Lawyer blog
Meet our Vacation Scheme student Lavania
Our 2021 virtual Vacation Scheme is fully underway. Here, our first student Lavania Xavier Rajan gives her impressions of working at Browne Jacobson.
Opinion - Future Lawyer blog
Mental Health Awareness Week – more self-care please
Embracing self-care is our focus for Mental Health Awareness Week this year. As we return to what we have longingly referred to as “normal”, we encourage you to prioritise self-care, connect with nature and talk with someone about any theme related mental health.
Opinion - Future Lawyer blog
Lifting the spirits in lockdown with binge-worthy LGBTQ+ TV
During lockdown many of the Browne Jacobson trainees have been finding solace in bingeworthy TV with inspirational LGBTQ+ characters and storylines.
Opinion - Future Lawyer blog
Trainee 2020 social - murder in the red room
Starting our first seats as a trainee during lockdown has been a bit of a strange experience. As our cohort started our training contracts virtually, some of us have yet to go into the office and most bizarrely, we’ve not yet met face to face as a group.
Opinion - Future Lawyer blog
We get locked down, but we get up again...
Opinion - Future Lawyer blog
Black Lives Matter
We live in an uncertain world, not just because of the Covid-19 pandemic where the socio-economic impacts are yet to be fully understood, but also because of the light that has been shone on the systemic racism that has historically and continues to systematically perpetuate both the USA, UK and many countries worldwide.
Opinion - Future Lawyer blog
Tools to triumph over our familiar foe: networking
Networking… the word that strikes fear into the heart of most trainees and equally one of the most important skills of a successful lawyer. Find out more in Charlotte's post.
Opinion - Future Lawyer blog
The light at the end of the tunnel: qualification
Hina Ali tell us about her last two years at Browne Jacobson - whether you have found it a whirling blur of excitement or if you’ve had an experience akin to the start-stop development of HS2, at some point the great legal conveyor belt will take you to your final destination: qualification.
Opinion - Future Lawyer blog
Game on! Trainee social post-match analysis
Throughout the year the Trainee Social Committee organises several events for Browne Jacobson’s trainees across all five of our offices. This time around, they really excelled themselves
Opinion - Future Lawyer blog
A day in the life of a Commercial Disputes Resolution (CDR) trainee
Ruby O'Hara gives us an insight of her role in the Commercial Disputes Resolution team.
Opinion - Future Lawyer blog
A day in the life of a private client and charities trainee
Gavin Lock gives a view into working for Browne Jacobson's private clients and charities team.
Opinion - Future Lawyer blog
Trainee Challenge stage 3: Sleep
On Friday 11 October, 13 trainees and NQs were joined by Iain Blatherwick and Declan Vaughan to give up their home comforts and sleep under the stars to raise money for five incredible charities.
Opinion - Future Lawyer blog
Summer vacation scheme - developing my passion for law
My experience on the summer vacation scheme has been nothing but spectacular. From day one I felt the warm, positive, and friendly culture within the firm.
Opinion - Future Lawyer blog
Swapping seats
With September quickly approaching, the close of another seat rotation is imminent.
Opinion - Future Lawyer blog
Trainee Challenge stage 2: Trek
After several weekends spent in the hills with limited phone signal and the power of our persuasive skills on friends and family to join us on never-ending walks waning, Stage 2 of the Trainee Challenge was finally here.
Opinion - Future Lawyer blog
Trainee Challenge stage 1: cycle
On Sunday 23 June, 5 members of the BJ team took on Cycle Live Nottingham to raise money for five amazing charities.
Opinion - Future Lawyer blog
Browne Jacobson’s summer vacation scheme – my first week in the Exeter office
Having recently completed the first week of my vacation scheme at Browne Jacobson’s Exeter office, I am writing this article to reflect on the experience I have had thus far and give prospective applicants a taste of what to expect.
Opinion - Future Lawyer blog
Summer vacation scheme – more than a 9-5
When I nervously arrived in Manchester for my summer vacation scheme placement on Tuesday morning, I became quickly aware that this placement would be more than a typical 9-5 legal experience placement.
Opinion - Future Lawyer blog
Passing over the baton...
As your previous blog post authors quickly approach their qualification, leaving us ‘baby lawyers’ behind, the timely transfer of the Trainee Talk Blog baton has been passed to us, your dedicated first (soon-to-be second) year trainees – Nikita, Marina, Kerry and Hina.
Opinion - Future Lawyer blog
Private practice secondment for an in-house trainee
Back at school when dreaming of becoming a lawyer, I never imagined that I would be qualifying in house.