An Interview with Grace, Our Apprentice Solicitor
It’s National Apprenticeship Week so we caught up with Pictons very own Solicitor Apprentice, Grace Roe to see how her year has progressed and her thoughts for the coming year.
Grace how has the last year panned out for you in terms of your role as a solicitor apprentice?
I believe I have progressed significantly in my role in the last year, I started year 4 of my apprenticeship in January. Personally, my confidence has developed as I have started fee earning and regularly attending networking events to broaden my network as a young professional.
What kind of work are you performing at the moment?
Since June 2022 I have been working in the Private Client Wills Trusts and Probate Team, my day to day role includes meeting with clients to take their instructions and helping draft Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney.
Are you becoming involved in other aspects of the firm – such as networking and events?
I network monthly at the Luton Town Business Club and have been doing so for a year now. Other events include talking at schools careers fairs and attending my previous high school to discuss my journey to becoming an apprentice.
What is your working week split in terms of the mix between study and client work?
I have one study day per week which I attend on a Monday, during this day I conduct reading, workshops and one essay to be submitted on that particular unit. Hand-ins are Tuesday morning at 9am and that is why I study on a Monday. I am currently studying Equity and Trusts which ties in quite nicely with the client work that I conduct from Tuesday to Friday.
How are you mentored by Pictons?
Sarah Crook has been extremely helpful in monitoring my progress in Private Client. She reviews my work thoroughly and helps to get me involved in initial meetings with clients discussing Probates and Trusts. Sukh Saini has been great introducing me to networking events.
What do you have planned in the year ahead?
In the next year I am going to be extra focused on my University work as I enter the last couple of years of my apprenticeship. I hope to come out with a 1st class degree and this has been my main aim since I started the apprenticeship. I hope to set up a networking group around Luton for young professionals who are in the process of their apprenticeship or just newly qualified. Within work, I hope to broaden my knowledge in other areas of law such as Family and Commercial.
Would you recommend an apprenticeship to people considering their career options?
Apprenticeships can be very good for self-development and confidence. You get to work alongside professionals for a significant amount of years and it teaches you a lot about the working environment as opposed to the traditional route of going to university and straight into work. You have to be prepared to sacrifice some things to achieve good results especially given the layout of the course as you only have one day to study . Another main benefit is that the government and employer fund your apprenticeship so it relieves pressure when thinking about student debt. The main thing I would suggest is getting some work experience in a firm you can see yourself progressing in and if the firm suits you then it would be good to apply because you have to be committed and motivated to stay at the course for 6/7 years.
Thanks Grace and good luck with the year ahead!