London firm Farrer & Co is set to welcome its first cohort of solicitor apprentices this autumn.
The firm has run business services apprenticeships since 2017, but this is the first time it has offered apprenticeship opportunities to people looking to start a new career as a solicitor.
The solicitor apprentices, who will begin their roles in September, will be given academic training developed by the University of Law. They will spend the first two years at the firm rotating across various business services teams so they develop a strong understanding of the firm’s operations, before moving into a paralegal-style role for another two years and finishing their apprenticeship in a two-year trainee solicitor role.
The business services apprenticeship has been a success for the firm, with apprentices currently in place in HR, finance, marketing and IT teams.
Katherine Wilde, director of knowledge, learning and development at Farrer & Co, said: “We are thrilled to expand our apprenticeship scheme by offering both solicitor and non-solicitor roles this year. Our aim is to develop well-rounded legal professionals who have a deep understanding of both our clients’ businesses and of the business of law.
“We have devised a scheme that mirrors the close collaboration between our business services team and our fee-earners, and that we believe will result in commercially astute solicitors who are able to deliver the highest quality service to our clients.”
The firm’s first ever apprentice, Katherine Farrell, completed her training in 2020 and is now a marketing and communications executive. She said: “As well as teaching me the fundamentals of the legal sector and marketing, there was a heavy emphasis on personal development, identifying bespoke training needs and providing support in the form of vocal coaching and self-presentation training. From day one, I was warmly welcomed as a valued team member, and I’ve since been left in no doubt that the firm is committed to investing in my future.”
The firm has also selected the University of Law to deliver training and development for all of its future trainees, including those not taking the apprenticeship route. The university will prepare them for the Solicitors Qualification Examination ahead of joining the firm for their qualifying work experience.
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