A newly-qualified solicitor from Womble Bond Dickinson (WBD) has become the first apprentice to qualify in the firm's Bristol office via the Solicitor Apprenticeship route.
Lauren Hall recently completed her six-year apprenticeship, having joined the programme in September 2019. As part of the programme, Lauren combined part-time academic study with work-based learning, which allowed her to earn a law degree and postgraduate qualification without incurring student loan debt. She also gained six years of employment experience.
During her apprenticeship, Lauren gained valuable experience working in several teams across the firm. She spent four years in the planning team, followed by six months each in the private capital, planning and infrastructure, and commercial disputes and regulatory teams. She also completed an employment secondment with a large retail bank.
Lauren said:
“My apprenticeship at Womble Bond Dickinson has been an incredible journey of learning and growth. Combining academic study with practical experience across a variety of teams has given me a unique insight into the legal profession and developed my skills far beyond what a traditional route could offer. I’m proud to have qualified as a solicitor through this pioneering programme and am grateful for the support and encouragement from colleagues throughout my six years as an apprentice
“Having the opportunity to rotate through different teams and undertake a secondment was invaluable to my development. Each seat offered new challenges and perspectives, helping me understand the breadth of legal practice. The secondment, in particular, allowed me to experience client work first-hand and appreciate how our advice can impact businesses in real time. It’s a level of exposure that’s truly shaped my career and confidence as a newly-qualified solicitor.”
Jon Bower, partner and Bristol office head at Womble Bond Dickinson, said:
“We're immensely proud of Lauren’s achievement as the first graduate of our Solicitor Apprenticeship programme here in Bristol. This pioneering route not only opens doors for talented individuals to enter the legal profession without the traditional barriers, but also enriches our firm with diverse perspectives and practical skills. Lauren’s dedication and growth over the past six years exemplifies the success of the programme—she has consistently demonstrated professionalism, adaptability, and a real passion for the law. Her journey underscores the value of combining academic study with hands-on experience, and we look forward to supporting more apprentices as they follow in her footsteps.”
First launched in 2016 in Newcastle, WBD's Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme has been rolled out in Bristol, Southampton and Plymouth. To date, seven solicitor apprentices have qualified with 17 currently on the programme (six in Bristol), and three more joining in January.
This article is for general information only and reflects the position at the date of publication. It does not constitute legal advice.
