Thursday 8th February 2024
Stone King is proud to offer apprenticeships in a number of areas and they are proving invaluable as routes to legal careers.
As part of National Apprenticeship Week, three of Stone King’s current apprentice cohort explain how learning on the job is proving an excellent career choice.
The Solicitor Apprentice
Apprentice Solicitor Emily Ball is part of Stone King’s Immigration and Employment teams. Her apprenticeship is now in its fourth year, with Emily combining study and work on a weekly basis.
Emily’s practice has already seen her noticed by respected directory The Legal 500 as a Key Lawyer.
“With an apprenticeship, two key benefits are putting the theory you learn in class into practice and getting hands-on experience on a day-to-day basis. Not everything I study relates directly to my practice (Land law doesn’t cross paths with Immigration law very often) however the critical thinking and practical skills you develop, including analysing problems and communicating with clients, are relevant across all areas of law.”
“Apprenticeships are great as they are suitable for all levels. They give you real life experience as well as the know-how. Many apprenticeships are open to those leaving school, as well as those wanting to pick up a new skill or advance their pre-existing knowledge later in life. I started my apprenticeship in my late twenties, having been out of education for a number of years. It suited me well as I had been in full-time education until the age of 21, and I was keen to continue working whilst studying.”
“With regards to the structure of my Apprentice Solicitor course, I study towards a Law degree as well as the Solicitors Qualifying Examinations (SQEs). I’m currently in my fourth year of the six-year course, which means I start the SQE prep modules next term.”
“I was already working at Stone King as Office Co-ordinator when I applied for my role as an apprentice. I could have taken myself out of work to study full-time, however I didn’t want to lose my place in the Cambridge office working alongside the teams I do, with the connections I had built. With the apprenticeship, I have continued working in a great office, building relationships with those in my team and the firm, without incurring more student debt. Additionally, by the time I qualify I will have been working at Stone King for eight years, so I will hopefully be quite experienced in my practice areas!”
The Paralegal Apprentice
Jacques Cutting is a Paralegal Apprentice in Stone King’s International and Cross-border team where his bi-lingual language skills are an asset. He previously worked in the International Court of Arbitration in Paris and for a law firm which dealt with intellectual property.
“I started my apprenticeship at Stone King in 2022,” says Jacques.
“Coming from a foreign legal background of French Civil Law, it has been extremely useful to understand the basic principles of English law and start to cover the various areas of law."
“Understanding the English land law and property practice in a law firm has enabled me to advise our clients on the different between English and French conveyancing."
“Moving forward I think the Solicitor apprenticeship is a great opportunity - becoming a solicitor is the natural progression from Paralegal.”
The HR Apprentice
“My apprenticeship has been a great experience since joining the firm as it has helped me to develop my skillsets at work, academically and has pushed me out my comfort zones, as I needed to adapt to a work/study balance,” says HR Apprentice Michael de Witt.
“I have recently completed my second year of the apprenticeships and my CIPD level 3 in December. I have found immense satisfaction in my apprenticeship, particularly in the enriching learning programs integral to the course and the invaluable mentorship received at my workplace. Integrating theoretical knowledge into practical application within my role has been a fulfilling aspect of my journey. I wholeheartedly endorse the apprenticeship experience, emphasising the daily mentorship and unwavering support provided by both the organisation and the educational institution overseeing the course. This unique combination ensures a well-rounded and nurturing environment conducive to professional growth."
“I would recommend an apprenticeship as it allows you to be mentored daily and you are given constant support from your organisation and the institution you complete your course through."
“It also allows you to put your skillsets into practice once you have learnt a theory in a lecture. I think the perceived idea about an apprenticeship is the concept that they are too junior."
“This concept should be challenged as it’s a pathway which not only avoids the debt and theory from university, but constantly challenges you to learn, while pursuing the career you love."
“It also allows you to learn and develop your skills whilst becoming embedded in a company’s culture."
“It should be a route that more school leavers should be informed of, as this will help to ease their mind in finding their passion and pursuit in the working world.”
National Apprenticeship Week runs from 5-11 February 2024.
If you’re interested in an apprenticeship at Stone King please visit https://www.stoneking.co.uk/join-our-journey/apprenticeships
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