Dentons Trainee Profiles

Hear from some of Dentons' current trainees and apprentices below!

Karolina Kobialka

Graduate’s job title: Trainee solicitor

Name of graduate scheme: training contract

University attended: SOAS University of London, King's College London

Degree qualification and year of graduation: LLB Law, LLM International Law

What is your role and when did you join the firm?

I am a first-year trainee in the Projects: Non-Contentious Construction team, having spent my first seat in the People, Reward and Mobility (Employment) practice.

What inspired you to apply to this law firm?

Dentons stood out to me as a firm that balances global reach with a genuinely supportive and inclusive culture. When I first engaged with the firm at a Legal Cheek Law Fair, I was struck by how approachable and open everyone was – it was clear that Dentons values its people and fosters a collaborative environment where trainees are trusted with responsibility and encouraged to take the initiative from day one. That first impression was reinforced during my vacation scheme, where I was given meaningful, hands-on work and felt like a valued member of the team rather than an observer.

Equally, Dentons’ commitment to innovation was a major factor. I was impressed by the firm’s adoption of legal tech tools like FleetAI, which are designed not just to improve efficiency, but also to enhance how we think and work as lawyers. This forward-thinking attitude, combined with a clear focus on client needs and market trends, convinced me that Dentons was the right place to start my legal career – one where I could grow, contribute and be challenged in equal measure.

What does a typical workday look like?

One of the things I enjoy most about the training contract is that no two days are exactly the same. The variety of work keeps things interesting and provides constant opportunities to learn. In my PRM seat, my day might involve carrying out legal research, attending client meetings, and preparing detailed notes and hearing bundles, as well as assisting with court applications.

Alongside client work, trainees are encouraged to take part in non-chargeable tasks that support our professional development and the wider team. This includes reporting on employment-law-related news during team meetings and contributing articles or blogs to the Dentons website. The balance of work ensures that we not only build technical skills, but also develop a broader understanding of the firm’s practice areas and current legal trends.

What are your working hours like?

The hours are generally very manageable and flexible, depending on the team and workload. There is a strong culture of trust and autonomy – I have had a good balance between time in the office and working from home. While there are busy periods (especially close to deadlines or completions), I have found the teams to be respectful of personal time, and I am usually able to switch off at the end of the day.

What is the single most important thing you have learned so far as a trainee?

To embrace uncertainty and ask questions. No one expects you to know everything on day one – what matters is how you approach the unknown. Being proactive, taking ownership and showing curiosity has helped me build confidence and learn faster. Dentons fosters an environment where questions are welcomed and learning is continuous, and that mindset has made all the difference.

What are your top tips for someone applying to this law firm?

My top tip would be to show a genuine interest in Dentons as a firm, rather than giving generic answers that could apply anywhere. The firm has a unique culture, international in reach, yet grounded and approachable, and showing that you understand and connect with that will go a long way. It is important to demonstrate that you are commercially aware and curious about the broader issues affecting clients, whether that be regulatory change, ESG trends or sector-specific challenges.

I would also recommend being open about your personal motivations. Do not be afraid to speak about why you are drawn to certain practice areas or how your background aligns with the firm’s work. During interviews and applications, be reflective, not just about your achievements, but also about what you learned from them and how they have prepared you for life at a global firm.

What makes this law firm a great place to work?

Dentons is a great place to work because of its people, global reach and commitment to innovation. The teams I have worked with have been incredibly supportive and the firm genuinely trusts trainees to take on meaningful work from early on. There is also a strong sense of purpose here, whether it be helping clients navigate complex transactions or contributing to sustainability and ESG efforts. It is a place where you can grow, be challenged and feel part of something bigger.

What are the most important qualities you need to be a lawyer?

Adaptability, attention to detail and commercial awareness.

Alex Wendelken-Dickson

Graduate’s job title: Trainee Solicitor

Name of graduate scheme: Dentons Traineeship

University attended: Edinburgh, Sciences Po, Aberdeen University

Degree qualification and year of graduation: MA Politics -2021, Accelerated Scots and English Law 2023, and Diploma in Professional Legal Practice -2023

I am a trainee solicitor in the firm’s Edinburgh office, although, given the UK-wide nature of Dentons and the structure of the training contract as a central belt traineeship, I am required to work in our Glasgow office from time to time and occasionally in London. I joined the firm in September 2024 as a trainee solicitor, having just completed my Diploma in Professional Legal Practice at Edinburgh University. I was inspired to apply to Dentons because of its international reach and the opportunity to work on cross-jurisdictional matters, which few other firms in Scotland offer to the same extent. Additionally, after thoroughly researching the firm before applying, I was attracted to its open, diverse, forward-thinking, and non-hierarchical culture, which actively challenges the stuffy, old-fashioned atmosphere often found at certain corporate law firms.

No day is typical at the firm—every day is different depending on the work at hand and how busy the team is. Whether I am working from home or in the office, I usually log on around 8:30 or 8:45 am and check for any urgent matters that have come in overnight. I then update my to-do list, which I typically draft before logging off in the evening, so I have a clear idea of the following day’s tasks. I have completed both a contentious and a transactional seat, and in both, unexpected tasks often arise, requiring adaptability and a willingness to try work I may not have encountered before. However, senior fee earners are always available to offer advice, guidance, and to review any documents, emails, or drafts before they go to the other side or the client, so I never feel afraid to get something wrong if it’s the firm time I have done a particular piece of work. Generally, you are given a lot of responsibility early on, whether it’s drafting legal documents, liaising with the other side, or communicating with the Courts advocates or the Land Register to name but a few. Working hours vary depending on how busy the team is—sometimes you leave at 5 pm on the dot, other times it may be closer to 6 pm but the norm I would say is around 5.30pm on average. There isn’t an expectation to work late unless something urgent arises, such as a court or adjudication deadline. On those occasions, the rest of the team usually stays late as well, ordering food and creating a good team spirit—you’ll never find yourself as the only one left in the office.

The most important lesson I’ve learned as a trainee is not to be afraid to ask questions. No question is a silly question, and it’s always better to ask than to proceed with a task and make avoidable mistakes.

For those applying to Dentons, my main tip is to do your research. I used to spend a day, or at least half a day, learning about the firm and getting to know it inside out before even starting my application. Know what the firm specialises in, its culture, why you want to work there, and why you would be a good fit. You’re competing against many other applicants, so it’s crucial that your application stands out and isn’t generic—really knowing the firm is key. I also recommend having your university careers service or a colleague review your application; a second pair of eyes is invaluable for spotting mistakes, and attention to detail is one of the key skills for a trainee solicitor. Additionally, your careers service can provide tips and guidance on writing a successful application. I would also suggest attending any events the firm offers, whether networking events or careers fairs, as getting your name out there is important. It’s great to be able to say, “I was inspired to apply to the firm by chatting to … at a Dentons event or learnt about this work the firm does which interests me when I attended the … event.”

The best piece of work I have been involved in so far was being given the responsibility to essentially run my own contentious matter. This involved opening the matter and providing a guidance note ahead of a potential arbitration to the client regarding a possible illegal termination of our clients supply contract for Vodka. The work was fascinating, as it required me to engage and correspond with the client to gather the necessary information to draft my guidance note. The subject matter was particularly interesting as the client was based in India, making it an international piece of work under English law, which I was able to work on from Edinburgh, as the seat of arbitration was London which I don’t think is work many other firms in Scotland can offer.

Dentons is a great place to work. The culture is open, friendly, and non-hierarchical, making it easy to have your voice heard and influence decisions from an early stage. I also appreciate the responsibility you’re given, which I believe is greater than at other firms, as it allows you to manage your time efficiently and get involved with very high-quality legal work early on, significantly aiding your development as a lawyer. The firm is also excellent at rewarding hard work through social events, which helps keep you motivated and creates a strong sense of team spirit. This reflects how much the firm values its people and recognises their contributions. The firm is also clearly growing and cementing its position in the market and it's great to be part of this growth and win more and more interesting high-quality mandates to work on.

To be a successful lawyer, I think it’s important to be proactive in moving matters forward, have strong attention to detail, and be commercially aware. Clients value lawyers who are efficient and keep things progressing but also ensure that the work produced at the end is of high quality. Commercial awareness is key because, as lawyers, we are not just legal advisors—we also need to pitch our services to clients and ensure that what we offer differentiates us from other firms. By understanding the market and business trends, we put ourselves in a better position to win work and remain our clients’ trusted advisors

Paige Alexander

Graduate’s job title: Trainee Solicitor

Name of graduate scheme: Traineeship

University attended: University of Strathclyde

Degree qualification and year of graduation: Scots Law (Clinical) LLB (First Class Honours)

I joined Dentons as a trainee solicitor in September 2024 and I am currently completing a seat in Corporate. I begin each day by checking my emails and organising my tasks according to priority. Largely, my days are dynamic and varied. My tasks range from assisting with the drafting of key transaction documents, such as Share Purchase Agreements and disclosure letters, to handling post-completion work and Companies House filings. I also accompany senior colleagues to client meetings, where I take notes and create action plans. Beyond my core work, I’m passionate about getting involved in pro bono and social initiatives, including volunteering with our sponsored charity, Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity.

The pace at Dentons is fast and dynamic. Many of our cross-border deals require effective coordination with colleagues in different time zones to ensure client needs are met. The supportive culture at Dentons stands out—each team member is invested in your development, and there’s a real sense of teamwork. One of the most valuable lessons I have learned as a trainee is the importance of remaining curious, asking questions, and embracing new opportunities—even those that may initially seem challenging.

A highlight of my training to date has been assisting with the sale of a multinational company. This experience has deepened my understanding of the commercial drivers behind this type of deal. My involvement has also enabled me to be involved in all phases of the transaction—from due diligence and preparing essential documents to maintaining regular client contact.

For those considering applying to Dentons, I recommend learning about Dentons’ key practice areas and culture, connecting with current employees, and demonstrating commercial awareness. Above all, authenticity is valued here—Dentons encourages individuality and a genuine approach. The most important qualities for success during your traineeship and your career as a solicitor, include attention to detail, adaptability, strong communication skills, and a commitment to working collaboratively and empathetically with others.

Rachel Smith

Graduate’s job title: First Year Trainee Solicitor

Name of graduate scheme: Training Contract

University attended: University of Glasgow

Degree qualification and year of graduation: 1st Class Scots Law with French Language LLB in 2023 and Diploma in Professional Legal Practice in 2024 both from University of Glasgow

What is your role, when did you join the firm?

I am trainee solicitor at Dentons, generally splitting my time between our Glasgow and Edinburgh offices. However, I'm currently based in Toulouse, France wrapping up the final weeks of my second seat out of four, with each seat lasting six months.

My Dentons journey began in 2022, with the Summer Vacation Scheme. Over the two weeks, I rotated between the Glasgow employment team and the Edinburgh construction team. That experience confirmed two things: I wanted to be a solicitor, and Dentons was the place to do it. The people, the fascinating caseload and the multi-jurisdictional clients made it an easy decision.

My first seat was with the Real Estate team in Glasgow, where I was thrown straight into the action. I quickly learned how to manage property transactions, handling LBTT matters, drafting leases and licences, and seeing how different practice areas collaborate within a large, international firm. It was a steep learning curve, but the hands-on experience was invaluable. For my second seat, I secured a client secondment with an aviation client in the South of France, through our Asset, Trade and Export Finance team. This was an ideal opportunity for someone with a law and French degree to utilise my language skills daily and experience the contrast from my first seat between in-house and private practice.

What inspired you to apply to this law firm?

During University, I completed an online commercial law internship and was drawn in by the variety and pace—problem-solving, multi-tasking, and working on fast-moving transactions. I knew I wanted a traineeship that would challenge me and keep me on my toes.

Dentons had always been on my radar (especially from meeting representatives at university open days) and immediately appealed to me because of its globality. I was eager to make use of my dual degree by working on cross-border matters and the opportunity to move abroad was a huge draw, I have found both at Dentons.

Ultimately, it was Dentons' strong sense of community that sealed the deal in tandem with their commitment to impactful pro bono work. It was clear this was where I wanted to start my legal career.

What does a typical work day look like?

No two days are the same! My first two seats have been transactional and whilst they vary greatly, the commonality between them is that I am often juggling multiple matters. My days are filled with drafting documents; some standard and others tailored for a specific transaction or agreement. I negotiate terms with solicitors on the other side, brainstorm solutions with my team and conduct research on niche legal questions that emerge. It's a constant learning curve.

As a trainee, my work extends beyond administrative tasks – I regularly contact clients to update them, review documents, suggest the next steps in transactions and even take part in client interviews. It's far from the stereotype of the trainee charged with printing duties.

What are your working hours like?

The work is consistently busy, especially in transactional seats. As an early bird, I usually start work between 8.30 and 9am, finishing somewhere between 5.30 to 7.30pm, of course there is the occasional late night. Depending on productivity periods others prefer to start later and work into the evening.

With Dentons' international scope, there are times where we are working with clients or other law firms in different time zones – just as we would be winding down, they might be starting their day! It's taught me flexibility; but also, to appreciate that one person's early morning is another's late night!

What is the single most important thing you have learned so far as a trainee?

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. It's daunting, but a vital part of learning. You won't get everything right from day one, and you may not discover your strengths and weaknesses until you're actually in practice. The key is to own up to mistakes quickly and if possible, suggest your own solutions. Trainees are always supervised so most missteps have an easy fix.

As you gain experience, these errors become less frequent. The most important thing is to learn from them, it's fine to make a mistake, just try not to make the same one twice.

What are your top tips for someone applying to this law firm?

Do you research! Attend online and in-person legal fairs—platforms like Legal Cheek and Bright Network are great for virtual events, and universities often host their own.

Don't hesitate to ask questions! It’s the best way to figure out what matters most to you in choosing a firm to train at. I always asked about pro bono work, secondment opportunities, and international outreach—my top priorities for a traineeship.

Finally, don't be afraid to put yourself out there! Even if a firm is highly competitive or only takes on a few trainees, you could be one of them – you miss 100% of the shots that you don't take.

What's the best piece of work you've been involved in?

My aviation secondment has been a highlight. Working in-house, I have taken on more responsibility and even led some intense contract negotiations (and succeeded!) Without being able to allude to any specifics, the aviation world throws up some truly unusual issues—sometimes I feel like I’m on a prank show, other times the deals we are working on are as dramatic as an episode of ‘Suits’. The best part is figuring out how to solve these challenges, whether they’re routine or completely unexpected.

Are you involved with any of the Firm's networks?

Getting involved in networks has been a traineeship highlight. As a member of the social committee, we organise events bringing colleagues together – a great way to unwind and meet people across the offices.

On the Pro Bono committee, we organise charity fundraisers and volunteer with our chosen charity (currently the Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity), which is incredibly rewarding. One of the most meaningful experiences has been working with National Centre for Domestic Violence, alongside other Dentons lawyers to support applicants seeking protection orders. This is challenging work but a powerful reminder of the positive work we can achieve as lawyers, even as trainees.

There are plenty opportunities for involvement outside the day-to-day legal work. These have not only broadened my network but shown me the difference we can make beyond our billable hours.

What makes this law firm a great place to work?

Dentons is a fantastic place to start your legal career, thanks to the wide variety of opportunities. Whether it's rotating round different departments, going on client secondment, getting involved in pro-bono work, or joining in on social and charity activities, there is something for everyone.

You may discover a passion for an area of law that you hadn’t considered – Banking and Real Estate were never my favourites at university, but both turned out to be rewarding and interesting. Dentons provides a comprehensive legal education over a variety of commercial legal sectors.

What truly sets Dentons apart, however, is the people. The firm fosters a supportive, open and inclusive culture where I have felt genuine colleague support; Dentons' lawyers want other Dentons' lawyers to succeed, explore and grow. It's this positive environment that makes Dentons such a great place to train.

What are the most important qualities you need to be a lawyer?

Adaptability: the legal landscape is constantly evolving – laws change, client needs shift and unexpected challenges arise. We need to learn how to respond effectively to new situations, handle a variety of cases and thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Curiosity: this mindset lets us dig deeper, ask the right questions and leads us to a better legal analysis and more thorough research.

Innovation: Dentons favours fresh thinking whether it is through original strategies, technology or creative solutions for clients.

Commercial awareness: it's more than a buzzword. Understanding the business context of the legal issues is crucial. We need to align with our clients' goals; understand the market they operate in and add more than just legal value.

William Frost

Graduate’s job title: Trainee Solicitor

Name of graduate scheme: Dentons Training Contract

University attended: Oxford (undergraduate), LSE (postgraduate)

Degree qualification and year of graduation: Classics, Oxford, 2018; Finance, LSE, 2025.

Ideally a graduate profile should be a personal view of working life at your firm. You can structure it however you want, but good things to include are:

What is your role, when did you join the firm?

I joined the firm in September 2024, having finished two years of law school paid for by the firm. We change practice areas every six months over the two year contract. My first six months I worked in derivatives, a financial product whereby people trade risk on future events (e.g., if you're a baker and buy wheat to bake bread, you might agree the price at which you'll buy wheat in advance, and that contract is a derivative). The last six months I have worked in corporate lending and real estate finance, which is where companies borrow large (or small!) amounts of money to do various things, including purchase property. Next, I'll be on secondment to Bank of America, working in investment grade debt.

What inspired you to apply to this law firm?

I was interested in the global reach (I speak Russian and we have offices in Georgia, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan), and the strong emphasis on banking (i.e., the guaranteed seat in banking). In practice, three of my four seats have now been in banking, and almost every matter I work on involves a Dentons team in another office, so the firm has definitely met my expectations on that front!

What does a typical work day look like?

I tend to start quite early so that when other people start, I've already got my outstanding work on their desks, which takes the pressure off a little bit. I might have 1-2 hours of calls or meetings a day, and a few hours of training a week (e.g., a talk from an associate), but otherwise I'll be at my desk. My supervisor and I speak at least daily over the phone, and there's always a good cohort in office, which creates a nice environment.

What are your working hours like?

In derivatives, where my tasks were more advisory than deals-focused, they tended to be steadier and more predictable, whereas in corporate lending my hours are entirely dictated by the deal flow. If a deal is on, it's grind time, and you can't be afraid to put in a late one (although thankfully I've never done a true all nighter!). It's a great feeling to work with the team to get a deal through to a tight deadline.

What is the single most important thing you have learned so far as a trainee?

To get involved. A wide range of work comes across the desk, and if you are proactive, you can ensure you get a wide range of training as a result. Know what the rest of the team is doing, not just your own work, and when a matter you're very interested in comes along, be the first to volunteer for it. This will give you the best experience as a trainee.

What are your top tips for someone applying to this law firm?

Know what makes this firm different to all the others. While you may be applying for every firm with a vacancy, the partners are at the top of their game and will have had their pick of where they ended up, and they chose Dentons for a reason. Figure out what those reasons are (not just that it's a large firm with famous clients!), and figure out whether those same reasons are a draw for you too. You can't be expected to know the culture inside out, because you've not been there, nor is reciting the number of offices a particularly useful piece of knowledge, but if you can flag some deals the firm worked on that appealed, or an expansion into a market that was of interest to you, you can start seeing the uniqueness of Dentons, and how that appeals to you. Then practice your answers to obvious interview questions, and practice them again and again and again.

What's the best piece of work you've been involved in?

I worked on a £3bn revolving credit facility, which was pretty cool as that really is an enormous number. But the best piece of work was also one of the smallest: a £60m refinancing for general purposes. What made it so fun was the deadline was extremely tight (just two weeks), which meant the four of us on the deal had to put a real shift in, and the learning experience of working with the team all guns blazing, with nothing else to distract, was simply unrivalled.

What makes this law firm a great place to work?

People take the time to help you learn. It is genuinely amazing that even when deals are full throttle, senior lawyers will still take the time to pause and explain a concept or task to me if I ask. It's a genuine learning experience, and each day the team gives me the opportunity to better than I was yesterday.

What are the most important qualities you need to be a lawyer?

It sounds obvious but attention to detail is absolutely vital. Law is a people business and we're trying to gain our client's trust that we are the best at what we do and that's why they should come to us, so it doesn't matter how brilliant a lawyer you are, if you then spell your own name wrong in an email, no one will take you seriously. After that, a willingness to work hard and learn, with a positive attitude, will get you a very long well. Your supervisors will always want to help get the best out of you, and will take the time to help you get good at the job, and who doesn't like to teach someone that's obviously keen? So don't be afraid to ask questions, otherwise you'll never learn – just make sure to note the answers so you don't ask twice!

Amina Belhadj - Solicitor Apprentice

Hi, my name is Amina, I'm a second-year solicitor apprentice in Real Estate. I am 18 and began this apprenticeship straight out of Sixth Form.

Why did you decide on a career in law?

I decided on a career in law as I found the subject interesting at school, and working in law is a career where you are constantly learning. The law is always changing, as a result so is the work and projects solicitors participate in. I found commercial law interesting as I enjoyed business studies in school and after attending various firm open days, I found the insights into how businesses operates and how lawyers advise them fascinating.

Why opt for an apprenticeship over other qualification routes?

I opted for an apprenticeship over other qualification routes because I wanted to learn law in a hands-on way. Through the apprenticeship, I am working with legal professionals every day, giving me the ability to understand from a young age the tasks solicitors do and understand how law is weaved into the working place. If you prefer practical learning over classroom based, I recommend choosing this route. I also recommend it as by the time of qualification, I will have had 6 years of experience working in a law firm, as opposed to two through the traditional route, this additional experience is in my eyes invaluable, especially as it will hopefully enable me to know which sector of law I want to go into. Finally, a big reason, the route is fully funded, degree and salary are paid, which for anyone leaving school is a huge benefit, as it has been for me.

How did you find and apply for your apprenticeship?

I found this apprenticeship through google searches of Solicitor apprenticeships; it is also part of the City Century consortium. I applied for the apprenticeship through the use of these resources:

Chambers and Partners, a detailed ranking of law firms throughout different areas
Legal 500, lists awards that firms have received and guides on industries
City Century- an initiative by London law firms, lists those who do the apprenticeship programme.
The Forage, a consortium of law firms who offer free virtual law work experience
Firm websites- outline their values, their work and sometimes application tips
Attend firm open evenings, many advertise these on their websites, so keep an eye out!

Can you describe your job and what you do on a day-to-day basis?

On a day to do day basis, my work differs. As I am in real estate, my work is predominantly focused on properties, selling, leasing and managing them. As such I deal with the Land Registry, submitting forms as well as drafting documents regarding properties, such as when a landlord wants to grant a lease. I also conduct research to assist fee earners with their work, such as recent cases and checking Term definitions.

What has been the highlight of your solicitor apprenticeship so far?

The highlight of my solicitor apprenticeship so far has been giving back to others who want to apply for apprenticeships. Particularly attending my former school's careers fair. I found it great answering questions from students regarding apprenticeships, the application process and how my experience has been so far.

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

Tasks I complete on a typical day can be drafting documents, such as Statutory declarations to contract a lease out of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954, as well as drafting licences for alterations, for when a tenant wants to alter a premises. Another common task is managing a client dataroom, to ensure relevant documents can be viewed.

What sort of support network do you have at your company?

At Dentons, I have a support network with fellow apprentices, I often have lunch with my cohort which is great as we talk about experiences, thoughts and provide each other with advice. Moreover, at trainee/apprentice socials, it is a great way to connect with fellow juniors outside of work. I am part of the social committee and recently attended the 2025 'Big trip' in Northumberland where I participated in a range of activities from watersports to archery.

How do you balance working with studying?

I balance working with studying by making sure I use my study day, for study. I plan and draft out the format of notes I am going to write, and do this when going through workshops, this enables me to revise more effectively. I also make sure that time I do spend on studying is focused, no distractions such as my phone are around!

Can you debunk a myth about working in law?

That you can't have a social life- Yes it won't be like university but that's not a bad thing. An apprenticeship is what you make it, so is your social life. There are frequent events to connect with other apprentices and socialise with others. In the year I have been here I've attended a department away day in York, a trip to Northumberland, summer party and mini golf! And that's just work led social events. If having a social life is a priority, it is completely possible to have one when finding a healthy balance.

What would be your words of advice to someone thinking about doing an apprenticeship?

Be yourself. Cliché but true, when going through the application process the best way to differentiate yourself is by being you, no one else is. Describe experiences you've had that relate to commercial law, or don't, any experience is experience and add what you've personally learnt. When speaking to other candidates, be yourself, as if you're selected, you want to start a career in law, being true to yourself.

Dylan Shah - Solicitor Apprentice

Hi, my name is Dylan, and I am a second year Solicitor Apprentice. I am from North-West London and have grown up there all my life. I am 19 and so finished my A Levels last year and know exactly what it's like to feel the pressure of applying to firms alongside studying.

I decided on a career in law because at its root, I was a debater. In school and at the dinner table I loved to share my opinions and share my thoughts on a situation. As such, I had strong opinions and felt like the best place for me to develop those skills of articulation and coming up with well-founded opinions was law. I decided to go down the apprenticeship route instead of other qualification routes due to the simple fact that I found my last year of school boring. Simply waiting for an exam at the end of the year and studying relentlessly for that was pointless. I wanted to be challenged intellectually every day with new ideas. So, I thought that the apprenticeship would provide me with that intellectual stimulation, over potential boredom at university for example.

Finding apprenticeships was easier due to websites like City Century which show all of the top London Law Firms which offer these programs. As such, it became clear to me that there is a plethora of opportunities and firms out there that offer these schemes.

If I had to describe my job in a sentence or so, I would say, my job is to be the most useful person in the team for those that are senior to me. Whether it is drafting a research memo, running down to court to drop of documents, or simply welcoming a client before a meeting, I feel my job is to be the person that provides consistent value to my colleagues in the department. Day-to-day, the job varies. Some days I will be quiet and can sneak in some university work and other days, I will be busy that from start to finish, I am working on a different matter. All in all, every day I get to see different people at the firm and enjoy working with them in the office.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my first year as an apprentice due to the incredible number of new skills and techniques I have learnt balanced with the freedom and stability that working life can give. The highlight of my apprenticeship so far has been going to court multiple times and helping towards the success of a matter in a different jurisdiction. With my supervisor's assistance I gained many new skills.

At my firm, I have multiple support networks. I am part of the Asian Professional's Network: Fusion, where I have now taken the role of Communications Lead. I am also part of the Inspire Gender Equality Network. Alongside those, I am part of the general apprentice community and so have great support across all areas of the firm.

Balancing working and studying takes time to master. In your first month, you will try different strategies but eventually you will figure it out. For me, I try and get all my university work done in the first few weeks of term so I can take the study day a bit easier but there are so many strategies, one can employ. Knowing how you work is the best tool, as you can set up your schedule according to your optimal style.

Overall, my main piece of advice for someone thinking about doing an apprenticeship is this: ask yourself, are you certain about doing law as a career path? Sometimes it will be difficult, you might have hard days. If you know Law is for you, then this programme provides so many benefits for you to enjoy both short term and long term.

Harith Ahmed – Solicitor Apprentice Profile

My Snapshot

I'm Harith, a sixth-year Solicitor Apprentice at Dentons, currently undertaking my penultimate seat in the Real Estate team. I study one day a week with BPP University and am on track to qualify as a solicitor in September 2026 after completing the SQE.

My (Not-So-Typical) Path to Law

I wish I had an inspirational story about a life-changing court case or a lawyer who showed me the importance of justice. Truth is, frankly, I watched the show 'Suits' and decided a career in law looked like it could be fun.

What I’ve learned since is that my story isn't that unusual. You speak to such a diverse array of people at a law firm, all with their own weird and wonderful paths to where they are now. Almost no one has a straight, narrow, traditional journey – which proves there is no single 'right' way to become a lawyer.

Why an Apprenticeship Over University?

For me, the apprenticeship route was a no-brainer. The ability to gain six years of work experience at a major commercial firm, build a professional network, and achieve financial independence rather than incurring student debt trumped drowning in countless law books at university.

I will admit, there are advantages to going to university, too; and I completely understand those who choose it over the apprenticeship. It is difficult committing yourself at the age of 18 to a (potentially) life-long career, especially if you're not sure that a career in law is for you (which is okay!).

What Does the Job Actually Entail?

Emails. Lots and lots of emails.

Jokes aside, the day-to-day is incredibly varied. A typical week can involve drafting key documents, conducting legal research, and liaising directly with clients. It's not all billable hours, though. The firm actively encourages you to get involved elsewhere, whether that’s joining a diversity network, helping the social committee plan events, or taking on meaningful pro bono work.

Biggest Surprise on the Journey?

Looking back, it is genuinely shocking just how much I have learnt over the past five-odd years. You learn a lot going through the apprenticeship – yes through studies and formal training at work, but mostly (in my view) from all the soft skills and little things you pick up, without realising, as you go along.

The Support System

At Dentons, there’s a multi-layered support system for junior professionals. It primarily comes from three places:

Your Peers: With twenty-five-odd apprentices across the firm, you have a built-in network of people on the exact same path. It’s an invaluable source of advice and support.

Your Team: In each seat, you work closely with trainees, paralegals, and associates who have been in your shoes and are always willing to help.

Firm-Wide Networks: Groups like Fusion (the Asian Professionals Network at Dentons), which I co-chair, provide a fantastic community and platform for connection and professional development outside of your immediate team.

How Do I Balance Work with Studying?

I'll admit, it can be tough at times. Particularly as you get to later stages of the apprenticeship when you have to balance far more difficult exams, coursework, and the SQE (qualifying exam for solicitors), all with an (almost) full-time job.

That being said, it can be done. You just have to prioritise and manage your time well. Apprentices are lucky to have Mondays off to study, which should for most of your apprenticeship journey, give you ample time to keep up on university-stuff. When it comes to exam time, the study leave we get helps, but again you just have to learn to prioritise. This is something you definitely learn as you go along.

My Advice for Aspiring Apprentices

Yes, grades are important. I'm not saying you shouldn’t bother with school (you should!).

But it won't get you the job on its own. Your application is a story about you, and you need to build that story.

Look Beyond the Classroom. Actively seek out internships, work experience, or even just attend free online lectures. Do anything that shows genuine curiosity and sets you apart from the thousands of other people with the same grades.

Do Your Research. Don't just apply to a firm because you know the name. Understand what they do, who their clients are, and what their values are. Be able to articulate why you want to work there.

Build Commercial Awareness. Knowing the law is important, but understanding the business and world that your clients operate in is critical. Read the news, follow industries, and form opinions.

Be Resilient. Prepare 100% for every application and interview. You might get ten rejections, or a hundred. It doesn't matter. You only need one 'yes'.