Case study

Josh Ovens — Solicitor apprentice

Employer
RPC

After completing his A-levels, Josh set his sights on a law career. He managed to secure a solicitor apprenticeship with RPC, and is working in their general liability department

Why did you decide to do a law apprenticeship?

I studied law at A-level, and up to that moment it was the only subject I wanted to take further. My teacher advised me to look into the possibility of applying for a legal apprenticeship, which was fairly new at the time.

After discovering that I could earn while studying, and obtain a degree without any student debt, I realised the benefits of qualifying via this route.

I also valued having work experience, and I felt that the apprenticeship route was a better fit than going to university. It would allow me to gain relevant experience that would benefit me later in my career.

What's a typical working day like?

RPC has a hybrid working policy, meaning I can choose to work from home or the office. The day will start with checking my emails and ensuring that I'm up to date on any new tasks that have come in. Once I've caught up, I start work on the tasks I need completing for the day and/or week. These can be wide ranging and include drafting, bundling, research and budgeting. As the apprenticeship has progressed, the amount and complexity of the work has increased, leading to more responsibility. This ensures I can complete all the skills that need to be included in my apprenticeship portfolio.

I also have quarterly catch ups with my line manager and am assigned a supervisor within the team I am working in. This is to assist with any questions I might have, and to provide support for the tasks I am working on.

How have you found juggling work with your study days?

Having a study day once a week alleviates the pressure of studying and working simultaneously. Once I found a system of studying that works for me, I've found that juggling work with studying became easier, and is now become part of my weekly routine.

We also have quarterly meetings with our tutors at The University of Law. These sessions are arranged so that apprentices can regularly catch up, ensuring that we are staying up to date with our syllabus. They can then provide us with any additional support needed.

Will you be qualifying via the Solicitors Qualifying Exam?

Yes, I will be taking the Solicitors Qualifying Exam in 2026/27.

What's the most enjoyable aspect of being an apprentice?

On a day-to-day basis it's working with the paralegals and associates and gaining experience and knowledge from them. Those opportunities are given to apprentices at such an early point, and it can provide apprentices with a platform to develop skills you can carry forward from the beginning.

On the more social side, I've also been able to get involved with the firm's football team and enjoy plenty of socials both across the firm and with the team.

What advice would you give to others considering an apprenticeship?

Do your research into the company and profession that you are applying to, and apprenticeships in general, to make sure it's the right choice for you. If you decide it is the correct route, and you are successful in your application, completely embrace it. You will gain so much more experience and knowledge by throwing yourself in. No apprentice has ever started with any expertise, so ask questions and get involved as much as possible.

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