Contributors
Whilst the application process varies from firm to firm, in this article I will outline the application process for solicitor apprenticeship programme at Womble Bond Dickinson, sharing some of my top tips along the way:
Written application
At Womble Bond Dickinson, this is in the format of an online form. It asks questions like why you think you would be suited to the apprenticeship, why you would like to do an apprenticeship rather than the traditional route and what qualities you have which would make you a good candidate. It also asks the typical questions such as what grades you have/are expected to achieve.
Tip: Research the firm and make specific references to the values or goals the firm has - and how they align with your own.
Group assessment day
During my application process, this involved taking part in group exercises and tasks with other shortlisted candidates. At this stage, the firm wants to see how you get on with others in a group. On the assessment day, we also did an individual task, whereby we submitted an extended answer to a question.
Tip: Make sure you get involved in the task and showcase your initiative and teamwork skills. Avoid overpowering others in the group - this is a task which is aimed at seeing how you work alongside others. As for the written task, try to think outside the box for your answers – consider the different ways of approaching the question!
Work placement
This involved going into the office and rotating around various teams during the week. I sat with three different teams during my work placement: Corporate Finance, Residential and Planning. This will vary based on which teams are looking for an apprentice at the time. We were set different sets of tasks in each team, completing tasks such as proofreading documents for errors and drafting letters to fictitious clients. In some teams, I was also able to sit in on calls for deals that the teams were currently working on.
Tip: Do not be afraid to ask questions. The person you are sat with on the day will not be expecting you to be an expert in what they are giving you, so don’t hold back if you have any queries. It also shows that you are curious and keen to gain a good understanding of things, so you can do the best job at the task you have been given.
Interview
This took place during my work placement. Although an interview can sound scary, it is not as bad as you think. The interviewer will ask the generic questions like why you want to do the apprenticeship, but the interview is your opportunity for you to sell yourself and your personality. They want to know what skills you have and grades you have achieved, but more than anything else, they want to see your personality shine through so they can see whether you are the sort of person they want to join the firm!
Tip: The interviewer tends to ask scenario questions such as 'tell me about a time when you demonstrated good leadership'. The biggest piece of advice I could give is to have specific examples to hand which you can use. Anyone can say "I have good listening skills" or "I am extremely organised", but what makes you stand out is then being able to have an example of a time when you have demonstrated that skill, whether that was whilst working a part time job, at school or any volunteering you have done. This can also make the interview a lot more conversational and you end up talking about your own personal experiences with the interviewer, which is a great way to display your personality!
For more information about apprenticeship programmes at WBD and the application process, click here.
This blog was written by Katie Watson, Apprentice Solicitor at Womble Bond Dickinson.
