From day one, you’ll be immersed in our supportive and inclusive culture, encouraged to get involved in the life of the firm and to make your mark.
When you start your apprenticeship with us, you’ll be part of a very small cohort with exposure to teams and departments across the firm. Opportunities to have real responsibility and contribute to work in a meaningful way will abound. You’ll experience all of the unique qualities of a career at Bates Wells from the moment you join us, and you’ll have the chance to make a positive impact on us and our clients.
You’ll learn from industry-leading experts across each of our departments, and will be able to apply your learning to real-life matters and projects. This means that by the time you take your exams, you will already have years of professional experience behind you.
We will work with you to make sure you see a range of areas that are of interest to you, as well as ensuring you meet the SRA’s requirements for qualification by seeing both contentious and non-contentious legal work.
“I would not have been able to afford to go to university if I was at that point in my life today. This is a bold step towards creating a more equal and diverse legal profession, and another way that we championing internal diversity through alternative routes to qualification.”
In each department you work in you will be assigned a dedicated supervisor as well as a buddy. Your supervisor will meet with you regularly to discuss your goals and objectives and to provide you with feedback, whilst your buddy is available to meet with you informally to answer any questions you have and offer you developmental support.
You will also receive support from the Early Careers Team, which consists of the Emerging Talent and Recruitment Manager, Apprenticeship Principal and two Deputy Principals. They will check you in with you formally on a regular basis, and will also be available whenever you need them.
You will also be assigned a mentor throughout your apprenticeship, This is someone you can discuss your long-term career plans with, bounce ideas off and who can support you through your apprenticeship and the process of qualifying as a solicitor.
We also encourage you to develop your own internal network through getting involved in firm-wide activities, for example our Diversity and Inclusion forums, social committee and climate group.
The firm also has several Mental Health First Aiders, who are available for confidential support when needed and can signpost you to external mental health support, for example the Employee Assistance Programme we offer.
Outside of Bates Wells, you will have access to the comprehensive support offered to apprentices by the University of Law. This includes your personal tutor and a skills coach, both of whom provide one-to-one guidance and support for the duration of your apprenticeship.
ULaw also have Welfare Support Officers who can assist with welfare needs you may have, and mental health counselling services can be accessed on campus.
The University of Law can also provide advice and support on finding accommodation close to the campus and our offices.