Emily Rogers is currently undertaking her Solicitor Apprenticeship with us. She has just completed a seat in Commercial Property and moves into the Private Client Department next week. We asked her a few questions about her life so far at Rowlinsons!
What attracted you to a career in law?
I always enjoyed subjects that gave me the opportunity to problem solve and apply critical thinking. I also realised I wanted a career that could make a difference to people’s lives. Law gave me the chance to do both those things.
What drew you to the apprenticeship route?
A legal apprenticeship allows you to get into the workplace and make contacts with qualified professionals at the very start of your legal career. Working with experienced staff only increases your knowledge of the law, whilst gaining practical skills that are crucial in the day-to-day work of a lawyer. Ultimately, I felt a legal apprenticeship provided the best route into a career in law.
What are you enjoying most about the apprenticeship at Rowlinsons?
The opportunity to assist with a wide, varied range of work. My current seat in the Commercial Property Department has allowed me to assist with sales, purchases and leases of commercial premises, and land sales and purchases. I have also worked with buy to let landlords in the management of their property portfolios, supported leaseholders with leasehold enfranchisement matters, and assisted with the plot sales of a development.
What is your most memorable moment so far?
Working with such an incredibly supportive team. Everyone at Rowlinsons has been willing to support me, provide their advice and guidance, and help me navigate the challenges of an apprenticeship.
What does a typical day for an apprenticeship look like?
As an apprentice, one day a week is devoted to ‘off the job’ study, where I work towards my law degree. This involves undertaking reading and research tasks, attending lectures, submitting work to tutors and preparing for exams.
During my days in the office, I am involved in drafting documents, attending client meetings, communicating with clients and third parties, and generally helping fee-earners progress matters in whatever way I can.
Advice to anyone considering to undertake the legal apprenticeship?
Make sure you can manage your time well! Juggling your studies with a full-time job is challenging; you must know how to prioritise your work so you can meet deadlines in both the office and at university.
Communication skills are also a must – opening a good line of communication with both your employer and the university from the very beginning is essential to ensure that you are supported in the best way possible.