We’re continuing our round up of our apprentices’ experiences as part of our celebration of National Apprenticeship Week. Solicitor apprentice, Jay Proudler, reflects on his progress now he’s into his second year with the firm.
Looking back on my journey so far, I can confidently say that my experience in conveyancing continues to be both rewarding and engaging.
Stepping Into Fee Earning:
One of the biggest developments in my career has been moving into a fee-earning role.
This transition has been incredibly exciting, as it has allowed me to take on more responsibility and gain hands-on experience managing cases.
There’s something truly fulfilling about handling real legal matters and guiding clients through important transactions. Whilst it comes with its challenges, it’s also where I’ve learned the most, both about conveyancing itself and the legal profession.
The Best Decision I Made:
When I first chose to pursue the solicitor apprenticeship route, instead of the traditional university path, I knew it was the right choice for me and now I’m more certain than ever.
The experience I’ve gained from working in a legal environment from the very start has been invaluable.
Not only have I developed practical skills that law students may not get until years later, but I’ve also built confidence in my abilities, learned how to work directly with clients and adapted to the fast-paced nature of legal work.
Some people worry that skipping university might mean missing out on crucial knowledge but, in my case, I haven’t felt that way at all. Every day on the job is a learning opportunity, and I’ve been able to apply my studies directly to real life scenarios, something that’s hard to replicate in a purely academic setting.
Key Takeaways:
As I approach a year and a half in conveyancing, I can see just how much I’ve grown, both professionally and personally.
When I first transitioned from college into this role, it was a massive adjustment. The expectations, the workload and the level of responsibility were all so different from what I had experienced before. Now that I’ve settled in, it’s clear how much growth and progress can come with time and experience in the role.
One of the biggest areas of growth has been my understanding of the entire conveyancing process. At first, I was just absorbing information, trying to get to grips with all the moving parts. Now, I manage my own caseload, working through every stage of the transaction and applying my knowledge in a practical way.
Whilst there’s still so much more to learn, conveyancing and property law are constantly evolving, I have a much stronger grasp of the legal framework behind the process.
Looking Ahead:
Come September, I’ll be making a move to the Employment team and I’m excited for what’s next.
Change always brings new challenges, but it also brings new opportunities to learn and develop.
If the last year has taught me anything, it’s that progress happens when you push yourself beyond your comfort zone.
I can’t wait to see where the next stage of my journey takes me, and I’m looking forward to continuing to refine my skills, expand my knowledge and grow within the legal profession.
If anyone reading this is considering the solicitor apprenticeship route, I’d say go for it. It’s been one of the best decisions I’ve made and I’m so grateful for the experience it’s given me.
