Smith Partnership supports the next generation of Solicitors

At Smith Partnership we have a history of supporting apprentices through the first steps of their career and onwards. Having seen many apprentices complete their courses and thrive in their chosen fields, we are proud to be able to continue supporting the next generation of Solicitors and Support Staff in the early stages of their careers. 

We currently have 4 employees completing their Solicitor Level 7 Apprenticeship LLB (Hons) / PGDip 

at Nottingham Trent University. This includes Sukhvir Rai, Paralegal in our Dispute Resolution department, Rebecca King, Legal Assistant in our Conveyancing department, and finally, Lydia Walsh, and Ellie Saroglou who are both Legal Assistants in our Commercial Property department. 

All 4 have previously completed a Law degree, so, after completing their two-year course, they will become fully qualified Solicitors. 

Sukhvir joined the firm in October 2023, working alongside Partner, Bally Atwal in our Aviation department, then in September 2024, he started his apprenticeship. 

He talks about his apprenticeship so far “I have found working full time alongside studying has allowed me to see how the law works in practice. This has offered a different perspective into my studies that I did not get whilst completing my LLB/undergraduate degree, which I have found to be really beneficial.” 

He continues, “The supportive atmosphere at Smiths has also made a huge difference to my studies. The firm has created a culture that allows apprentices to thrive – my colleagues celebrate every milestone and are always there to offer their expertise and guidance. It also helps speaking to the other apprentices also doing the same course. It is nice to be able to share experiences with my peers and to get advice and support from those in the same position as myself.”       

Lydia joined the firm in October 2023 and has worked within our Commercial Property department, beginning her apprenticeship in September 2024. 

She talks about why she chose to do an apprenticeship “One of the reasons I wanted to pursue an apprenticeship was the opportunity to work alongside experienced solicitors whilst studying. This has allowed me to gain valuable insights and practical experience that I would not have been able to achieve elsewhere and helped me to contextualise the information that I learn in my degree.”  

She continues, “I am very appreciative of the firm – my colleagues have been really supportive throughout the whole process. I have a protected study day once a week, monthly catchups with my manager to discuss how I’m getting on, and everyone is always happy to answer any questions I may have.” 

Last year, we also had two of our apprentices successfully complete their courses, including, Ella Davis, Marketing Assistant, who completed her Level 3 Digital Marketing Apprenticeship and Sammi Allen, Paralegal in our Family department, who achieved her CILEx Level 3 Paralegal Apprenticeship. Sammi has since enrolled on a bridging course, which when complete, will allow her to start her CILEx Level 5 Advanced Paralegal Apprenticeship. To find out more about Sammi’s apprenticeship journey, click here.  

Our Head of HR, Sarah Reader, says “National Apprenticeship Week marks a time to raise awareness around apprenticeships, encouraging both businesses and students to get involved. It is also a time to celebrate the talent that they bring to a business. This is something we find very important within the firm - our apprentices form a vital part of the business, and it’s great that we can support them to achieve their career aspirations.” 

Our Partner, Bally Atwal, who oversees trainees and apprenticeships within the firm says “We know how important it is to invest in the next generation of Solicitors and consider it a business priority to support them through their early careers, so it fills me with a great sense of pride when I hear about colleagues successful achievements.”  

“On behalf of the whole firm, I would like to offer my congratulations to Sammi and Ella on completing their courses and wish Sukhvir, Rebecca, Lydia and Ellie the best of luck with their courses!” 

If you are interested in hearing more about the opportunities that we have available, please get in touch by emailing recruitment@smithpartnership.co.uk.