Case study

Abigail Langstaff — Solicitor apprentice

Employer
Womble Bond Dickinson

Studying through the University of Law, Abigail is currently working to complete a solicitor apprenticeship with Womble Bond Dickinson (WBD) (UK) LLP

Why did you choose to train with WBD?

One of the biggest attractions for me was its presence in the Northeast and internationally, and the opportunities this creates. Not only does WBD have offices across the UK, it also has offices in the USA and alliances with firms around the world. This mean that from the start of my apprenticeship, I have been involved in a lot of cross-office work. I have met and worked with dozens of fee earners, as well as a range of clients. This has allowed me to build confidence and a personal brand, and has given me a diverse workload, which keeps my work interesting day to day. As I approach my seat rotation in September, I am pleased to have had the opportunity to choose three seat preferences from a long list of teams. I am excited to experience a varied seat rotation, in many areas of the law. Additionally, and perhaps most importantly for me, WBD promote and encourage the solicitor apprenticeship route to qualification. WBD have recruited a number of apprentices across their offices, some of which have now gone on to fully qualify as a solicitor. This shows the great success of the solicitor apprenticeship at WBD - hard work pays off.

What kind of tasks do you complete on a typical day?

The tasks of a solicitor apprentice depend on their team and experience. I am a fourth-year solicitor apprentice in the Residential Team. Some of my day-to-day tasks include:

  • reviewing and amending draft documents
  • drafting emails and letters of advice to clients
  • negotiating with counterparties
  • legal research
  • arranging engrossment documents and client signature
  • post-completion formalities.

I am also involved in the Community Engagement Committee, as well as the Newcastle Young Professionals Forum. These have given me volunteering, event planning and networking opportunities. I have also attended a variety of client events with my team, helping to build and maintain our client relationships.

How do you strike a healthy work/life balance?

Striking a work/life balance as a solicitor apprentice can be tricky at times as there can be competing deadlines and priorities between clients and university. However, I feel the key to a healthy work/life balance is to be open and honest with the team about my workload, both inside and outside of the workplace. Open dialogue helps to manage expectations, and work can be reallocated if needed. As such, I have been able to work reasonable working hours and dedicate the time I need to my university studies.

As part of the apprenticeship, I am allocated one day per week for my university studies. I have found that it is vital to make the most of this day and have learned to resist the temptation to check my work emails. This has created a better environment to focus on my studies. Outside of my study day, I will use evenings to complete additional university work as needed. Although these days can be long, I feel it is the most effective way to retain a work/life balance as my weekends are free to socialise and relax. I am then able to start the new week refreshed and engaged with my work. The apprenticeship route is not easy, but it is certainly rewarding. WBD have shown great support towards the apprenticeship.

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