Routes into law: Higgs LLP apprenticeship webinar

Summary transcript

Please note this transcript is an automatically generated summary and may contain inaccuracies.

This webinar, hosted by Higgs LLP in partnership with Tyro Lawyer, explores alternative routes into the legal profession through apprenticeships. The session brings together legal professionals, apprenticeship specialists and current apprentices to share real experiences, practical advice and guidance for students considering a career in law.

Welcome and introduction

Hardeep:

Thank you so, so much for being here. My name is Hardeep and I work at Higgs LLP. I lead our early careers and inclusion work, which means my role is about opening doors, especially for people who may not always see themselves reflected within the legal profession.

I’m really glad you’ve chosen to spend your time with us this evening because deciding what to do after school or after your studies can feel overwhelming. There’s a lot of advice, a lot of noise, and sometimes too much information. Tonight isn’t about telling you what the right route is, but about giving you enough information and sharing real experiences from our own staff so you can work out what feels right for you.

We’re really pleased to be running today’s session in partnership with Tyro Lawyer, who do brilliant work providing mentorship to students exploring legal careers. I’m going to hand over to our colleagues at Tyro Lawyer to introduce themselves.

Introduction to Tyro Lawyer

Abi:

Hello, my name is Abi and I’m the founder of Tyro Lawyer. We are a mentoring programme that’s been running since 2021. We aim to provide opportunities for students, particularly those in sixth form and college who may not otherwise have access to legal career opportunities.

We also support undergraduate students and work with law firms across Birmingham to provide mentoring, work experience and insight events. One of our strongest partnerships is with Higgs, and we’re grateful to them for organising this webinar to give you insight into apprenticeship opportunities and working life at the firm.

I’ll now pass you to my colleague Reccy, our partnerships manager.

Meet the Higgs team

Hardeep:

I’m also joined this evening by Liz Gwillim, our learning and knowledge manager at Higgs. Liz will talk you through how apprenticeships work and how they compare to university. We also have Tom Huxley, who has completed a business administration apprenticeship, and Dan Woodcock, who is on our solicitor apprenticeship route. I’ll ask them to briefly introduce themselves.

About Higgs LLP and why apprenticeships matter

Hardeep:

Higgs is a full-service law firm based in the Black Country and this year we’re celebrating our 151st year. But what matters most is how we work. We support people through moments in their lives that really matter – whether that’s buying a home, setting up a business or dealing with something personal or emotional.

Apprenticeships vs university: how they compare

Liz:

One of the biggest benefits of apprenticeships is protected study time. Typically, you work four days a week and have one protected study day. That gives you space to complete your academic work without it taking over your evenings and weekends.

Apprenticeship routes at Higgs

Liz:

At Higgs, we offer several apprenticeship pathways:

• Paralegal apprenticeships
• Business administration apprenticeships
• CILEX lawyer apprenticeships
• Solicitor apprenticeships (SQE route)

Applying for the solicitor apprenticeship

Hardeep:

We’ve launched our first external recruitment for solicitor apprenticeships, with applications closing on 31 January. You’ll need five GCSEs at grade 4 or above (including English and Maths) and 96 UCAS points at Level 3.

Tom’s journey: business administration apprenticeship

Tom:

When I joined Higgs, I didn’t think I’d ever work in a professional office environment. I started as an Office Assistant and got exposure to every area of law.

Dan’s journey: solicitor apprenticeship

Dan:

I knew university wasn’t for me. I found the apprenticeship route through the government website and started at Higgs as a Document Solutions Assistant.

Balancing work, study and life

Dan:

It’s about structure. I use my study day properly and plan my evenings so I still have time to see friends and relax.

Common application mistakes and advice

Dan:

You don’t need to be perfect. Be honest and be yourself.

Hardeep:

One of the biggest mistakes people make is trying to sound like a lawyer in their application.

Final thoughts and closing

Hardeep:

Thank you so much for spending your evening with us. Applications for our September intake are open now and close on 31 January. If you have any further questions, please contact Tyro Lawyer or visit our careers page.

Thank you again, and have a lovely evening.