Pepperells Launch New Graduate Apprenticeship Program

We spoke to Ryan Revell, Graduate Solicitor Apprentice at Pepperells to find out more about the newly established role and how this has helped him to develop a career in Law.

“I graduated with a First-Class Honours LLB Law Degree from the University of Hull in Summer 2021, I had a couple of Training Contract interviews for local firms which were unsuccessful. I was disheartened and was unsure of how to progress my career. Most firms follow a strict structure where you must apply two years in advance for the role of a Trainee.”

“Thankfully, I was offered a role as an intern in the summer of 2021 with Pepperells, which resulted in a full-time paralegal role shortly afterwards.”

“At this stage, I was considering my next steps, either through the traditional Legal Practice Course (LPC) route or newly launched Solicitor Qualifying Exam (SQE).”

“The Graduate Apprenticeship (SQE) lasts for 30 months and comprises two exams known as the SQE1 and SQE2. You are given weekly preparatory reading, problem scenario-based work and activities to complete. This comprises an average of 9 hours of studying per week. At the end of each week you will have a 10-15 question mock test to assess your knowledge on that week’s topic.”

“For me, the benefit of the Solicitor Graduate Apprenticeship is that your week comprises 80% work and 20% study. I value the work life balance of 4-days working,1-day of study and I still have the weekends to myself to enjoy time with friends and family, also, the Solicitor Graduate Apprenticeship allows you to work within a practice alongside studying to qualify as a Solicitor, earning a salary as I learn and gaining really valuable on the job knowledge and skills.”

“I am delighted that Pepperells are offering the Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship option as a route into qualifying as a Solicitor. I enjoy the variety of work and study and look forward to gaining my qualifications to become a practising solicitor in the near future.”

Working in the firm whilst studying allows our learners to gain a number of skills which would not be an option when studying from home or university. Understanding the dynamics of working within a law firm and having real life case loads is beneficial in many ways such as developing organisational skills and interpersonal skills along with developing greater understanding of client interviewing, advocacy and legal research.

The firm recognise the value in supporting the next generation of aspiring lawyers, in as many different routes as possible, either through the LPC, SQE or Apprenticeships.

Pepperells Solicitors are a fast paced, modern, full service firm offering legal solutions in practice areas of Family Law, Property & Housing, Business Services, Criminal Defence, Civil Matters, Contentious Probate, Medical Negligence and Wills & Probate.