Coles Miller Solicitors is celebrating the progress of two solicitor apprentices who are building their legal careers through an alternative route to the traditional university pathway.
Solicitor apprentices Molly Robinson and Ellie Lewns joined the Dorset law firm in September 2021 and have spent the past five years combining academic study with practical experience across a range of legal departments.
The solicitor apprenticeship route enables aspiring lawyers to work towards qualification while gaining valuable experience within a law firm.
For Coles Miller, the scheme is also an important way of developing the firm's next generation of legal talent and giving young people an alternative route into the profession.
All two apprentices have been able to work alongside experienced lawyers, deal with real client matters and experience different areas of law while completing their studies.
Molly Robinson joined Coles Miller after her A Levels and has so a far completed seats in Conveyancing, Wills & Probate and Personal Injury/Clinical Negligence and is currently working in the Family department. Molly recently achieved a first-class LLB from the University of Law and hopes to qualify into Coles Miller's Family team.
Molly said: "I joined the Solicitor Apprenticeship programme in September 2021 as it offered an excellent opportunity to gain my qualifications whilst learning in the supportive environment at Coles Miller.
"Since then, I have gained experience across a number of different departments, and I am now studying for the SQE. I look forward to continuing my development as I work towards qualification as a solicitor."
Ellie Lewns also joined the firm after completing her A-Levels, having originally planned to attend university full-time.
After discovering the apprenticeship opportunity at Coles Miller, she decided the combination of academic study and hands-on legal experience offered an attractive alternative.
During her apprenticeship, Ellie has worked in General Office, Commercial Property, Litigation, Probate and Family. She achieved a first-class LLB from the University of Law and hopes to qualify into Coles Miller's Commercial team.
One of the highlights of her apprenticeship came during her second year when, aged 19, she attended court in connection with a boundary dispute.
Ellie said: "That experience really stands out as an example of why I chose the apprenticeship route. By 19, I was involved in complex disputes and had the opportunity to speak to a Judge on behalf of a client. It was incredibly rewarding and gave me invaluable experience that I would never have gained in a lecture hall.
"I am incredibly grateful to Coles Miller for the opportunities I have been given over the past five years. The hands-on experience has enabled me to flourish, and I am excited to complete the final year of my apprenticeship and look towards qualification and a successful career ahead."
Investing In the next generation of solicitors
Coles Miller's solicitor apprenticeship scheme provides an opportunity for aspiring lawyers to develop practical skills and experience while progressing towards professional qualification.
Working within different departments also gives apprentices the chance to experience several areas of law before deciding where they would ultimately like to specialise.
Adrian Cormack said: "Molly and Ellie are excellent examples of what can be achieved through the solicitor apprenticeship route. Over the past five years, we have watched them develop their legal knowledge, confidence and practical skills while making a valuable contribution to teams across the firm.
"Apprenticeships are an important part of our commitment to developing talented people and creating opportunities for those who want to pursue a career in law. Combining academic study with genuine client experience provides an excellent foundation for a successful career as a solicitor.
"We are extremely proud of what Molly and Ellie have achieved so far and look forward to supporting them as they take the next steps towards qualification."
The solicitor apprenticeship route is designed to lead to qualification as a solicitor following completion of the required academic, workplace and professional assessment requirements.
For more information about careers and opportunities at Coles Miller Solicitors, visit www.coles-miller.co.uk
